Image processing device

ABSTRACT

According to an image processing apparatus including a storing unit  12  for storing (retaining) the image data, and an image forming unit  6  for recording and printing the image data stored (retained) by the storing unit  12  on a recording medium such as copy paper and operating the image data so that the image data stored (retained) by the storing unit  12  can be reused as being stored (retained) in the storing unit  12  after printed by the image forming unit  6 , by changing the above-described original operation related to the image data stored (retained) in the storage unit  12 , for example, it is possible to make the operation not to retain the image data in the storage unit  12  possible.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the national phase under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/JP04/002225 which has an Internationalfiling date of Feb. 25, 2004 and designated the United States ofAmerica.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVETNION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus forperforming the image processing, which temporarily store (retain) imagedata inputted via a communication network, for example, an image readingunit such as a scanner, an LAN, and the Internet; outputs the stored(retained) image data to an image forming unit to record (print) it on arecording medium such as copy paper; and transmits it to the outside viafacsimile communication or data communication. Particularly, the presentinvention relates to an image processing apparatus intending to improvesecurity of the image data temporarily captured and stored (retained)inside the apparatus, and more specifically, the present inventionrelates to an image processing apparatus capable of preventingdeterioration of security when the important image data is stored(retained) inside without the user's noticing.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, an image processing apparatus provided with anelectronic filing function has been known, whose function opticallyscans an original document to be copied to read it as the image data,temporarily stores the image data in a storage medium, reads arbitraryimage data of the original document from the storage medium repeatedlyin number of times according to desired number of pages, and outputs iton the copy paper for printing (for example, refer to Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 6-178041 (1994)).

More specifically, in recent years, a multi function is noticeable inthe image processing apparatus having a copying function for scanningthe image recorded on the paper and copying it. The image processingapparatus provided with a plurality of functions in addition to thecopying function has been put to practical use, whose functions are forexample, a function of a network printer that is connected to acommunication network such as a LAN and receives the image data from theexternal apparatus such as a personal computer (PC) to output it and afacsimile function to transmit and receive the image data to and from afacsimile apparatus by using facsimile communication or the like. Suchan image processing apparatus may be provided with means of storing(retaining) the image data inside even after performing the processingand a function to reuse the image data according to need, for example,by forming an image from the stored (retained) image data and outputtingit or transmitting the stored (retained) image data to the externalapparatus or the like.

The above-described image processing apparatus provided with theelectronic filing function manages designation of a storage location onthe recording medium upon storing the image data and designation of thestorage location on the storage medium upon reading the image data orthe like, for example, by a FAT (File Allocation Table). According tothe FAT, an information number is allocated for each information to bestored in the storage medium and a reference value of the FAT is decidedby the information number so as to specify the storage location on thestorage medium of each image data.

The FAT is updated every time the output for printing of the image datato be managed is terminated. Further, it becomes impossible to read theimage data stored in the storage medium specified by the FAT by means ofthe image processing apparatus when the contents of the FAT are erasedor updated. Accordingly, by using the FAT, fear of leaking of theinformation is decreased and security of the image data is secured.

However, in accordance with progress and spread of the informationprocessing technology in recent years, even when the contents of the FATare erased or updated, unless the image data itself stored in thestorage medium (for example, hard disk) is erased, for example, amalicious third person may detach the storage medium (for example, harddisk) itself from the apparatus to take out it and may read the imagedata stored therein and may illegally use it.

Therefore, the following technologies considering the security of theimage data against leakage or illegal usage of the information arepresented.

For example, the image processing apparatus that can be used aftercarrying out the authentication of a user (refer to Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open No. 7-28365 (1995)), that capable of tracing aleakage route of the image data by embedding the specific information inthe image data to be outputted (refer to Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 2000-187419), that for encrypting the image data so as tobe stored in the storage medium (refer to Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 1-256068 (1989)), and that for automatically erasing theimage data stored in the storage medium when the image data stored inthe storage medium is unnecessary (refer to Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 9-223061 (1997)) or the like are applied to thesetechnologies. According to these techniques, it is possible to preventleakage or illegal usage of the image data remained inside theapparatus.

On the other hand, a data security kit for preventing leakage of theinformation from the electronic filing function or the illegal usage ofthe image data by applying the erasing processing to the image data anderasing the image data stored in a memory has been put to practical use.Such a data security kit can be applied to the above-describedelectronic filing function, so that it is possible to mount the datasecurity kit on the image processing apparatus having such an electronicfiling function but also on various apparatuses afterwards at the user'soption.

However, when the above-described data security kit is mounted on theimage processing apparatus having the conventional electronic filingfunction, the existing electronic filing function is given priority.Accordingly, this causes a problem such that the above-describedoperation of the electronic filing function for outputting the imagedata stored in the storage medium to image processing means such as animage forming unit or the like inhibits erasing of the image data by thedata security kit.

In addition, even the above-described image processing apparatuslimiting the user cannot prevent the illegal usage of the image datawhen the identification information such as a password is leaked or whenthe user himself/herself who is allowed to use the apparatus uses theapparatus illegally. In the same reason, even the image processingapparatus to limit access to the image data or encrypt the image datacannot prevent illegal usage of the image data. In addition, even whenthe image data to be inputted and outputted in and from the imageprocessing apparatus is monitored, since there is a limit to thecontents to be monitored, it is difficult to completely prevent theillegal usage of the image data. Further, it is impossible to decreasethe operational mistakes of the user leading to the illegal usage of theimage data to zero.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made taking the foregoing problems intoconsideration and an object of the present invention is to provide animage processing apparatus for establishing a harmony between aso-called document filing function and a data security function bypartially limiting the document filing function in the case where thedata security function for protecting the image data inputted by thedocument filing function and stored in storing means such as a hard diskis set effective to the image data.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing apparatus constructed, when image processing means such as aprinter processes the image data stored in image data storing means suchas hard disk, so as to operate the image data to be stored (retained) inthe image data storing means as it is after reading the image data fromthe image data storing means and processing it by the image processingmeans, in which the operation of the above-described image data can bechanged.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing apparatus to improve security by changing the operation ofthe image data so as to encrypt the image data inputted from theoutside, store it in the image data storing means, decode the encryptedimage data stored (retained) in the image data storing means, and supplyit to the image processing means.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing apparatus to improve security by changing the operation ofthe image data so as to replace the image data that has been stored inthe image data storing means yet with the random data when the imagedata stored in the image data storing means is processed by the imageprocessing means.

Still further, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing apparatus to improve security by changing the operation ofthe image data so as to forcibly erase the image data stored in theimage data storing means.

Still further, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing apparatus to improve security by changing the operation ofthe image data so as to forcibly erase the image data that has beenstored in the image data storing means yet from the image data storingmeans when the image data stored in the image data storing means isprocessed by the image processing means.

Still further, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing apparatus to improve security by changing the operation ofthe image data so as to forcibly erase all of the image data stored inthe image data storing means.

Still further, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing apparatus to improve security by temporarily storing theimage data to be processed by the image processing means in the imagedata storing means and immediately erasing this data from the image datastoring means when it is processed by the image processing means.

Still further, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing apparatus to form an image recording the image data in arecording medium such as copy paper, specifically, output the image datafor printing, or transmitting the image data to the outside viafacsimile communication or data communication as the specific imageprocessing.

Still further, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing apparatus capable of sufficiently bringing out the functionsof the function provided thereto by limiting the functions so as tostore only the designated image data when the function to making theimage data worthless is operating in the image processing apparatus.

Still further, an object of the present invention is to provide an imageprocessing apparatus capable of preventing the illegal usage when theimportant image data is automatically stored in the storing meanswithout the user's notice about storage of the image data because theimage data is not stored in the storing means until the user instructsthe apparatus to store the image data while storing only the image datathat is instructed by the user to be stored in the storing means.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention is animage processing apparatus comprising: image data storing means forstoring image data; image data operating means for carrying out anoperation for inputting image data by a filing function and storing itin the image data storing means or carrying out an operation for readingout the image data stored by the image data storing means and outputtingit; and image processing means for image-processing the image dataoutputted by the image data operating means, and is characterized bycomprising image data protecting means for inhibiting the operation bythe image data operating means to the image data stored by the imagedata storing means; wherein, when the image data protecting means isoperating, the operation of the image data by the image data operatingmeans is limited.

According to the above-described image processing apparatus of thepresent invention, the operation, by the image data operating means, ofinputting and storing the image data in the image data storing means bya filing function and reading and outputting the image data stored bythe image data storing means is not entirely prohibited but only partialfunctions are limited when the image data protecting means is operating.

In addition, an image processing apparatus according to the presentinvention is an image processing apparatus comprising: image datastoring means for temporarily storing image data; image processing meansfor reading out the image data stored in the image data storing meansand image-processing it; and image data operating means for operatingthe image data stored in the image data storing means so as to be storedin the image data storing means when the image data is image-processedby the image processing means, and is characterized by comprisingoperation changing means for changing the operation of the image data bythe image data operating means.

According to the above-described image processing apparatus of thepresent invention, the operation changing means carries out theoperation of the image data different from the original operation of theimage data by the image data operation means, specifically, in the casewhere the image processing means image-processes the image data storedin the image data storing means, reading out the image data from theimage data storing means, the image processing means processes it, andin the case where the image data stored in the image data storing meansis image-processed by the image processing means, this image data isstored as it is without being erased from the image data storing means.

In addition, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described invention, and is characterizedin that the operation changing means encrypts the inputted image data tostore it in the image data storing means and decodes the encrypted imagedata stored in the image data storing means to supply it to the imageprocessing means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,the operation of the image data is changed by the operation changingmeans so that the inputted image data is encrypted and stored in theimage data storing means, and the encrypted image data stored in theimage data storing means is decoded and supplied to the image processingmeans.

In addition, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described invention, and is characterizedin that the operation changing means replaces the image data stored inthe image data storing means with the random data when the image data isimage-processed by the image processing means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,in the above-described invention, the operation of the image data ischanged by the operation changing means so that, when the image datastored in the image data storing means is image-processed by the imageprocessing means, the image data stored in the image data storing meansis replaced with the random data.

Further, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described invention, and is characterizedin that the operation changing means forcibly erases the image datastored in the image data storing means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,in the above-described invention, the operation of the image data ischanged by the operation changing means so that the image data stored inthe image data storing means is forcibly erased.

Further, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described invention, and is characterizedin that the operation changing means forcibly erases the image datastored in the image data storing means when the image data isimage-processed by the image processing means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,in the above-described invention, the operation of the image data ischanged by the operation changing means so that the image data stored inthe image data storing means is forcibly erased when the image datastored in the image data storing means is image-processed by the imageprocessing means.

In addition, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described invention, and is characterizedin that the operation changing means forcibly erases all image datastored in the image data storing means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,in the above-described invention, the operation of the image data ischanged by the operation changing means so that all image data stored inthe image data storing means are forcibly erased.

In addition, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described invention, and is characterizedin that the operation changing means temporarily stores the image datato be image-processed by the image processing means in the image datastoring means, and, when the image data is image-processed by the imageprocessing means, erases the image data from the image data storingmeans.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,in the above-described invention, the operation of the image data ischanged by the operation changing means so that the image data to beimage-processed by the image processing means is temporarily stored inthe image data storing means, and the image data temporarily stored inthe image data storing means is immediately erased from the image datastoring means when it is image-processed.

Further, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described each invention, and ischaracterized in that the image processing means records the image dataon a recording medium to form an image.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,in the above-described each invention, the image data is recorded on therecording medium to form an image, specifically, the image processingfor printing is carried out.

In addition, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described each invention, and ischaracterized in that the image processing means transmits the imagedata to the outside via a facsimile communication.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,in the above-described each invention, an image processing fortransmitting the image data to the outside via a facsimile communicationis carried out.

In addition, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described each invention, and ischaracterized in that the image processing means transmits the imagedata to the outside via a data communication.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,in the above-described each invention, an image processing fortransmitting the image data to the outside via the data communication iscarried out.

An image processing apparatus of the present invention is an imageprocessing apparatus comprising: image data accepting means foraccepting image data; and image data retaining means for retaining theimage data accepted by the image data accepting means; and ischaracterized by comprising limiting means for limiting retaining of theimage data by the image data retaining means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,by limiting the image data to be retained inside the apparatus, theimage data retained inside the apparatus is prevented from being takenout outside and being illegally used.

An image processing apparatus of the present invention is an imageprocessing apparatus comprising: image data accepting means foraccepting image data; image data retaining means for retaining the imagedata accepted by the image data accepting means; processing means forprocessing the image data accepted by the image data accepting means;invalidating means for invalidating image data; and switching means forswitching the invalidating means into the operational condition or thenon-operational condition; and is characterized by comprising limitingmeans for limiting retaining of the image data by the image dataretaining means when the invalidating means is switched into theoperational condition by the switching means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,by limiting retaining of the image data in the image data retainingmeans when the invalidating means is operating, the image data retainedinside the apparatus is prevented from being taken out outside and beingillegally used.

An image processing apparatus of the present invention is an imageprocessing apparatus comprising: image data accepting means foraccepting image data; image data retaining means for retaining the imagedata accepted by the image data accepting means; processing means forprocessing the image data accepted by the image data accepting means;and capable additionally comprising invalidating means for invalidatingimage data; and is characterized by comprising limiting means forlimiting retaining of the image data by the image data retaining meanswhen the invalidating means is provided.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,by limiting retaining of the image data in the image data retainingmeans when the invalidating means is provided, the image data retainedinside the apparatus is prevented from being taken out outside and beingillegally used.

According to an image processing apparatus of the present invention isbase on the above-described invention, and is characterized by furthercomprising: operation condition storing means for storing informationindicating that the invalidating means is under operational condition ornon-operational condition; referring means for referring to theinformation stored by the operation condition storing means; andlimiting means for limiting retaining of the information by the imagedata retaining means when the information referred by the referringmeans indicates that the invalidating means is under the operationalcondition.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,by limiting retaining of the image data in the image data retainingmeans when the information stored in the operation condition storingmeans indicates that the invalidating means is operating, the image dataretained inside the apparatus is prevented from being taken out outsideand being illegally used.

In addition, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described each invention, and ischaracterized in that the processing means also can process the imagedata stored by the image data retaining means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,it is also possible to carry out the output processing or the like withrespect to the image data stored inside the apparatus.

According to an image processing apparatus of the present invention isbase on the above-described each invention, and is characterized byfurther comprising retaining instruction accepting means for accepting aretaining instruction to designate the image data to be retained in theimage data retaining means, wherein the limiting means allows the imagedata retaining means to retain the image data to which the retaininginstruction is accepted by the retaining instruction accepting means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,by only allowing retaining of the image data to which the instruction toretain to be retained inside the apparatus is accepted, and inhibitingretaining of other image data inside the apparatus, both of a functionto retain the image data and reuse it and a function to prevent theillegal use of the image data by invalidating are available.

An image processing apparatus of the present invention is an imageprocessing apparatus, comprising: condition changing means forindividually changing settings of a plurality of processing conditionsfor processing image data from the standard setting; and processingmeans for processing the image data in accordance with the pluralprocessing conditions including the processing condition whose settingis changed by the condition changing means; and is characterized bycomprising: condition returning means for returning the setting of apredetermined processing condition from among the plural processingconditions, which is changed from the standard setting by the conditionchanging means, into the standard setting every time the processing ofthe image data by the processing means is finished.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,it is possible to change the settings of a plurality of processingconditions of the image data from the standard setting, and after theimage data is processed in accordance with the processing condition,these settings are automatically returned to the standard setting whenthe setting of a predetermined processing condition among the pluralityof processing conditions is changed.

According to an image processing apparatus of the present invention isbase on the above-described invention, and is characterized by furthercomprising image data retaining means for retaining the image data whoseprocessing by the processing means is finished; wherein thepredetermined processing condition is whether the image data processedby the processing means should be retained in the image data retainingmeans or not; and the standard setting of the predetermined processingcondition is inhibiting of retaining the image data processed by theprocessing means in the image data retaining means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,in a predetermined processing condition indicating that the image dataprocessed by the processing means should be retained in the image dataretaining means or not, the setting to inhibit retaining of the imagedata is the standard setting, and after the image data is processed, thesetting of this predetermined processing condition is returned to thestandard setting.

According to an image processing apparatus of the present invention isbase on the above-described each invention, and is characterized byfurther comprising: determining means for determining whether apredetermined time has passed from a point of time when processing ofthe image data was carried out by the processing means; and means forreturning the setting of the processing condition changed by thecondition changing means into the standard setting when the determiningmeans determines that the predetermined time has passed.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,when a predetermined time has passed from a point of time when theprocessing of the image data was carried out, the settings of allprocessing conditions are automatically returned to the standardsetting.

An image processing apparatus of the present invention is an imageprocessing apparatus comprising: image data accepting means foraccepting image data; image data retaining means for retaining imagedata; processing condition storing means for storing a plurality ofprocessing conditions upon processing image data; and processing meansfor processing, in accordance with each processing condition stored bythe processing condition storing means, the image data accepted by theimage data accepting means; and is characterized by comprising:retaining instruction accepting means for individually accepting aretaining instruction for retaining the image data to be retained in theimage data retaining means from among the image data accepted by theimage data accepting means; and means for, when the retaininginstruction accepting means accepts the retaining instruction, storing,in the processing condition storing means, the setting of the retainingprocessing condition indicating whether the image data should beretained or not by the image data retaining means as the setting toretain in the image data retaining means the image data to which theretaining instruction is accepted by the retaining instruction acceptingmeans.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,the image data is processed in accordance with the settings of thestored plural processing conditions, and the image data to which theinstruction of retaining is accepted from the user is only retained inaccordance with the setting of the retaining processing condition.

According to an image processing apparatus of the present invention isbase on the above-described invention, and is characterized by furthercomprising: changing means for changing the setting of the retainingprocessing condition stored by the processing condition storing meansinto the setting to inhibit retaining of the image data by the imagedata retaining means, when the processing means processes the image datawhere the processing condition storing means stores the retainingprocessing condition being set to retain the image data in the imagedata retaining means; and means for maintaining the settings of theprocessing conditions other than the retaining processing conditionstored by the processing condition storing means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,when the retaining processing condition is set to store the image data,this setting is changed so as to inhibit retaining of the image dataafter the image data is processed. However, the settings of otherprocessing conditions are maintained as they are.

According to an image processing apparatus of the present invention isbase on the above-described invention, and is characterized by furthercomprising protecting means capable of switching an operation to protectthe image data into valid or invalid, wherein the changing means isconfigured so as to be operated when the operation of the protectingmeans is valid.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,it is possible to switch the operation to protect the image data intovalid or invalid, and when it is switched into valid, it is possible tochange the setting of the retaining processing condition so as toinhibit retaining of the image data.

In addition, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described each invention, and ischaracterized in that the processing condition storing means isconfigured so as to store the setting of the retaining processingcondition to inhibit retaining of the image data by the image dataretaining means as the standard setting.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,the setting to inhibit retaining of the image data is stored as thestandard setting of the retaining processing condition.

According to an image processing apparatus of the present invention isbase on the above-described each invention, and is characterized byfurther comprising: temporary storing means for temporarily storingimage data accepted by the image data accepting means; and means forerasing the image data stored by the temporary storing means when theprocessing of the image data is completed by the image processing means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,upon processing the image data, the image data is temporarily stored,and the temporarily stored image data is immediately erased after theprocessing of this image data is completed.

In addition, according to an image processing apparatus of the presentinvention is base on the above-described each invention, and ischaracterized by further comprising: means for outputting theinformation indicating that the image data retaining means retains theimage data before the image data retaining means retains the image datawhen the retaining processing condition is set so as to retain the imagedata in the image data retaining means.

According to such image processing apparatus of the present invention,in the case where the image data is stored after this image data isprocessed, prior to this, the information indicating that the image datais retained is outputted.

The above and further objects and features of the invention will morefully be apparent from the following detailed description withaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structural example of hardware ofan image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the structuralexample of an operating unit of the image processing apparatus accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the data inside theimage processing apparatus by an arrow according to the first embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the imagedata by a control unit when a copying function is set in the imageprocessing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the imagedata by the control unit when a printer function is set in the imageprocessing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the imagedata by the control unit when a network scanner function is set in theimage processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the data inside theimage processing apparatus by an arrow when a data security kit ismounted on the image processing apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the displaying state of a displayunit when the data security kit is not mounted on the image processingapparatus upon placing the copying function on the image processingapparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the displaying state of thedisplay unit when the data security kit is mounted on the imageprocessing apparatus upon placing the copying function on the imageprocessing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the displaying state of thedisplay unit when a user touches an icon left under a display screenwith the data security kit mounted on the image processing apparatusupon placing the copying function on the image processing apparatusaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the displaying state of thedisplay unit when the data security kit is mounted on the imageprocessing apparatus upon placing the copying function on the imageprocessing apparatus and the “image data erasing processing” functionsof the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the displaying state of thedisplay unit when the user touches the icon left under the displayscreen in the condition shown in FIG. 11 with the data security kitmounted on the image processing apparatus upon placing the copyingfunction on the image processing apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the displaying state of thedisplay unit for setting the details in the “image data erasingprocessing” operation upon placing the copying function on the imageprocessing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the displaying state of thedisplay unit when a window to confirm erasing of the data is displayedin the “image data erasing processing” operation upon placing thecopying function on the image processing apparatus according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the displaying state of thedisplay unit when a level of the progress of the data erasing operationis displayed in the “image data erasing processing” operation uponplacing the copying function on the image processing apparatus accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the displaying state of thedisplay unit of a screen setting the “number of times of automatic dataerasing when each job is terminated” upon placing the copying functionon the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure when thecopying function is set as the image processing with respect to asequence of procedure of the processing for erasing the image dataaccording to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure when thecopying function is set as the image processing with respect to asequence of procedure of the processing for erasing the image dataaccording to the image processing apparatus of the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the structural example of hardware ofan image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the data inside theimage processing apparatus when the security program is operating by anarrow according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the output processingof the image that is carried out by the image processing apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the output processingof the image that is carried out by the image processing apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an instruction acceptancescreen of print outputting of the image by copying, which is displayedon the display unit according to the image processing apparatus of thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an instruction receivingscreen of print outputting of the image by copying, which is displayedon the display unit according to the image processing apparatus of thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure upon operatingthe image data retained in a storage unit by the image processingapparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating the instruction receivingscreen of the image data operation to be displayed on the display unitaccording to the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating the instruction receivingscreen of the image data operation to be displayed on the display unitaccording to the image processing apparatus of the second embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating the instruction receivingscreen of the image data operation to be displayed on the display unitby the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating the instruction receivingscreen of the image data operation to be displayed on the display unitby the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating the instruction receivingscreen of the image data operation to be displayed on the display unitby the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the structural example of hardware ofan image processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the structuralexample of an operating unit according to the image processing apparatusof the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the processing carriedout when the image processing apparatus according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention is activated.

FIG. 34 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the processing carriedout when the image processing apparatus according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention is activated.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when the image data is instructed to beretained a temporary retaining area according to the image processingapparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when the image data is instructed to beretained in a temporary retaining area according to the image processingapparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when the image data is instructed to beretained in a retaining area according to the image processing apparatusof the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when the image data is instructed to bestored in a retaining area according to the image processing apparatusof the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when the image data is instructed to bestored in a retaining area according to the image processing apparatusof the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when the image data is instructed to bestored in a retaining area according to the image processing apparatusof the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when the image data is instructed to bestored in a retaining area according to the image processing apparatusof the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when the image data is instructed to bestored in a retaining area according to the image processing apparatusof the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when the image data is instructed to bestored in a retaining area according to the image processing apparatusof the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when the image data is instructed to bestored in a retaining area according to the image processing apparatusof the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when changing of setting of the processingcondition of the image data is terminated according to the imageprocessing apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the display unit when changing of setting of the processingcondition of the image data is terminated according to the imageprocessing apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 47 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the image processing tobe carried out by the image processing apparatus according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the image processing tobe carried out by the image processing apparatus according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display screen to bedisplayed on the display unit after the processing of the image data isterminated according to the image processing apparatus of the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 50 is a flow chart showing the procedure upon reusing the imagedata to be carried out by the image processing apparatus according tothe third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 51 is a flow chart showing the procedure upon reusing the imagedata to be carried out by the image processing apparatus according tothe third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 52 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen offiling to be displayed on the display unit according to the imageprocessing apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen ofscan retaining to be displayed on the display unit according to theimage processing apparatus of the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 54 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display screendisplaying the using situation of a storage unit according to the imageprocessing apparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 55 is a schematic diagram illustrating a list display screen of theimage data inside a temporary retaining folder to be displayed on thedisplay unit according to the image processing apparatus of the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a schematic diagram illustrating the list display screen ofthe image data retained by the retaining area of the storage unit to bedisplayed on the display unit according to the image processingapparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 57 is a schematic diagram illustrating the list display screen ofthe image data retained by the retaining area of the storage unit to bedisplayed on the display unit according to the image processingapparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 58 is a schematic diagram illustrating the list display screen ofthe image data retained by the retaining area of the storage unit to bedisplayed on the display unit according to the image processingapparatus of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 59 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen forreusing the image data to be displayed on the display unit according tothe image processing apparatus of the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 60 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen forretrieving the image data to be displayed on the display unit accordingto the image processing apparatus of the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 61 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen forretrieving the image data to be displayed on the display unit accordingto the image processing apparatus of the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 62 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen forretrieving the image data to be displayed on the display unit accordingto the image processing apparatus of the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen forretrieving the image data to be displayed on the display unit accordingto the image processing apparatus of the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention will be specifically described below withreference to the drawings showing the embodiments. In the meantime, anyof image processing apparatuses according to each of the followingembodiments of the present invention is constructed as a digital MFP(Multi-Function Printer).

FIRST EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structural example of hardware ofan image processing apparatus (digital MFP) according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

An image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention is formed as an MFP that is connected to the externalapparatuses such as a personal computer and a facsimile apparatus (a FAXapparatus) via a communication cable or a telephone network and it has aprinter function, a network scanner function, and a FAX function or thelike using the image data received from these external apparatuses inaddition to a copying function. In other words, the image processingapparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,as image processing functions, has a function to record the image dataon a recording medium such as copy paper to output it for printing, anda function to transmit it to the outside by the facsimile communicationor data communication or the like.

The image processing apparatus 1 is mainly provided with an imagereading unit 2, an operating unit (an operation panel) 4, an imageforming unit 6, a control unit 8, a communication unit 10 as aninterface for making communication with the outside, a storage unit 12to be functioned as image data storing means using hard disk (HD) as thenon-volatile storage apparatus or a non-volatile large volumetricstorage apparatus, a managing unit 14, and an ROM 15 storing a controlprogram 15 a for controlling by the control unit 8 or the like. In themeantime, these respective structural elements are connected to thecontrol unit 8 through a bus. Further, as shown by a broken line, it ispossible to mount a data security kit 9 on the image processingapparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present inventionand when it is mounted thereon, the data security kit 9 is connected tothe control unit 8 through the bus.

The image reading unit 2 reads the image of an original document by theoptical image reading means, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device)2 a. The image data of the original document read by the image readingunit 2 is stored in an image memory 6 a as the volatile storage devicesuch as a RAM page by page (for each page of the original document) andfurther, the number of the pages of the read original document is storedin the managing unit 14.

The communication unit 10 is connected to the external apparatuses suchas personal computers PC1 and PC2 via the Internet as a communicationline or a network NW such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and thecommunication unit 10 transmits and receive the image data by making thedata communication with respect to these external apparatuses. Inaddition, the communication unit 10 is provided with a modem and a NCU(Network Control Unit) (not shown) and the communication unit 10 alsocan perform the facsimile communication. The modem is connected to apublic switched telephone network PSTN via the NCU. The NCU is a hardware to perform the line control operation such as close and open theline with the analog public switched telephone network PSTN, andaccording to need, the NCU also can make the facsimile communicationwith an external FAX apparatus 3 or the like by connecting the modem tothe public switched telephone network PSTN.

The image forming unit 6 is provided with a print unit 6 b for formingan image from the image data stored in the image memory 6 a for storingthe image data as the volatile storage apparatus such as the RAM whenthe image data is inputted from the image reading unit 2 or thecommunication unit 10. In the meantime, in this example, the print unit6 b is configured by an LSU (Laser Scanning Unit), however, it may be aprinter apparatus in an inkjet system or the like.

The managing unit 14 is made of the RAM or the like for storing theinformation set by the operating unit 4 and the information or the likerelated to the operation of each structural unit of the apparatus.However, the managing unit 14 may be a non-volatile storage medium thatis rewritable such as a flush memory and an EEPROM or the like. Inaddition, the ROM 15 stores the control program 15 a for the controlunit 8. The control unit 8 controls each structural element of the imageprocessing apparatus 1 in accordance with the control program 15 astored in the ROM 15 and this makes the image processing apparatus 1 tofunction as the above-described MFP.

Next, the structural example of the operating unit 4 made of an inputunit 4 a and a display unit 4 b will be described below with referenceto the schematic diagram of FIG. 2 showing its appearance.

The operating unit 4 is configured as an operation panel and asdescribed above, the operating unit 4 is provided with the input unit 4a and the display unit 4 b. The display unit 4 b is configured by aliquid crystal panel of a dot matrix type and can guide and display theinformation to be noticed to the user in detail as the image processingapparatus 1. In addition, a transparent touch panel 21 is provided on ascreen of a liquid crystal panel of the display unit 4 b. By operatingthe touch panel 21 in accordance with the information to be displayed onthe liquid crystal panel, the liquid crystal panel functions as a partof the input unit 4 a to which corresponding information is inputted asthe instruction information. In the meantime, hereinafter, it is assumedthat the touch panel 21 also includes the liquid crystal panelconfiguring the display unit 4 b.

In the input unit 4 a, a key group is arranged in adjacent to the touchpanel 21 other than the above-described elements and the key groupincludes a “START” key 16 for instructing start of copying, a “CLEAR ALL(CA: all clear)” key 17 for interrupting the processing duringexecution, a “CLEAR” key 18 for clearing the content of the instructedmode, a numeric keypad 22 for instructing the number of copies or thelike, switching keys 23 a, 23 b and 23 c for each mode, and a “USERSETTING” key 24 or the like.

In addition, when the user operates a “JOB CONDITION” key 23 d, it ispossible to confirm the processing condition of the present job and thepast printing condition that printing is terminated.

The control unit 8 is configured by, for example, a CPU (CentralProcessing Unit) and it controls the operations of respective devicesconfiguring the image processing apparatus 1, such as the operating unit4, the image forming unit 6, the communication unit 10, and the storageunit 12 or the like in accordance with the control program 15 a storedin the ROM 15 in advance. In addition, the control unit 8 outputs theinformation related to the condition of the image processing apparatus 1and the information to be noticed to the user or the like on the displayunit 4 b in accordance with the instruction and the information or thelike inputted by the user's operation of each key of the input unit 4 amounted on the operating unit 4.

Further, the control unit 8 also functions as image data operating meansfor carrying out the operations such as input of the image data,specifically, input of the image data from the image reading unit 2 andinput of the image data from the outside via the communication unit 10,and input and output of the inputted image data from and to the imagememory 6 a and the hard disk 12 or the like.

The storage unit 12 stores the image data to be inputted from the imagereading unit 2 and the communication unit 10 and be formed by the imageforming unit 6 and the image data to be transmitted to the outside bythe facsimile communication or the data communication via thecommunication unit 10. The details thereof is to be described later.

In the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention, respective functions such as a copying function,a printer function, and a network scanner function or a FAX function areset by the operation of the input unit 4 a, and the information aboutthe set functions is stored in the managing unit 14. On the basis of theinformation stored by the managing unit 14, the control unit 8 controlsthe operations of respective structural units, carries out the operationcorresponding to respective functions, and carries out the operations ofinput and output of the image data between the image memory 6 a and thehard disk 12 or the like.

Hereinafter, respective operations when the image processing apparatus 1according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used as acopying machine, a printer, a network scanner or a facsimile apparatus(a FAX apparatus) will be described with reference to the schematicdiagram of FIG. 3 showing the flow of the data inside the imageprocessing apparatus 1. In the meantime, in FIG. 3, only a portionrelated to the flow of the data is shown.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the imagedata by the control unit 8 when the copying function is set in the imageprocessing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

When using the image processing apparatus 1 as the copying machine dueto setting of the functions of the above-described input unit 4 a, thecontrol unit 8 inputs the image data of the original document read bythe image reading unit 2 (step S1), makes the volatile image memory 6 atemporarily store it (step S2), and at the same time, also makes thestorage unit 12 store it (step S3). Further, in the case of reading aplurality of sheets of original document (plural pages) by the imagereading unit 2, the processing from the above-described step S1 to stepS2 is repeated by the number of times according to the number of sheetsof original document (the number of pages).

Then, in the case of forming (outputting) an image on the basis of theinformation about a density of copy and a size of paper or the like setin advance by the operation of the operating unit 4 (YES in step S4),the control unit 8 reads the image data stored in the storage unit 12 totemporarily store it in the image memory 6 a (step S5), and transfersthe image data stored in the image memory 6 a to the print unit 6 b andoutput it on the copy paper or the like for printing (step S6).

In addition, in the case of print outputting a plurality of image data(plural pages) stored in the storage unit 12, the operation from thestep S4 to the step S6 is repeated by the number of times correspondingto number of pages of the original document to be outputted for printingin the print unit 6 b.

In the meantime, when the function as the above-described copyingmachine is set on the image processing apparatus 1, the processing iscarried out by the control unit 8 on the basis of the control program 15a stored in the ROM 15 by controlling the operations of respectivestructural units.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the imagedata by the control unit 8 when a printer function is set in the imageprocessing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

As described above, the communication unit 10 is connected to thenetwork NW via the communication cable or the like. Accordingly, it ispossible to receive the image data from the personal computers PC1 andPC2 as the external apparatuses that are connected to the network NW viathe data communication. In the case where the communication unit 10receives the image data from the personal computers PC1 and PC2, thecontrol unit 8 inputs it (step S11), makes the image memory 6 atemporally store it (step S12), and after that, makes the storage unit12 store it (step S13).

Then, in the case of forming (outputting) an image on the basis of theinformation about a density and a size of paper or the like set inadvance by the operation of the operating unit 4 (YES in step S14), thecontrol unit 8 reads the image data stored in the storage unit 12 totemporarily store it in the image memory 6 a (step S15), and transfersthe image data stored in the image memory 6 a to the print unit 6 b andoutput it for printing (step S16).

In the meantime, when the function as the above-described copyingmachine is set on the image processing apparatus 1, the processing iscarried out by the control unit 8 on the basis of a control program 15 astored in the ROM 15 by controlling the operations of respectivestructural units.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure of the imagedata by the control unit 8 when a network scanner function is set in theimage processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

The image data of the original document read by the image reading unit 2is transmitted from the communication unit 10 to arbitrary one of thepersonal computers PC1 and PC2 via the network NW. As same as theabove-described copying function, the control unit 8 inputs the imagedata of the original document read by the image reading unit 2 (stepS21), makes the volatile image memory 6 a temporarily store it (stepS22), and after that, makes the storage unit 12 store it (step S23).Then, the control unit 8 reads the image data stored in the storage unit12 to store it in the image memory 6 a (step S 24). After establishingthe communication with the external apparatus that is set by theoperation of the operating unit 4, for example, the personal computerPC1 (YES in step S25), the control unit 8 outputs the image data storedin the image memory 6 a to the communication unit 10 and transmits it tothe personal computer of a transmission destination from thecommunication unit 10 via the network NW (step S26).

In the meantime, when the function as the above-described networkscanner function is set on the image processing apparatus 1, theprocessing is carried out by the control unit 8 on the basis of acontrol program 15 a stored in the ROM 15 by controlling the operationsof respective structural units.

Further, the communication unit 10 is also connected to the publicswitched telephone network PSTN other than the network NW, and also whenusing the image processing apparatus 1 as the FAX apparatus, theprocessing of the same procedure is carried out by the control unit 8.

In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention uses the HD as the storageunit 12 for storing the image data, however, not limited to this, thefirst embodiment of the present invention can be also applied to theimage processing apparatus provided with a non-volatile memory capableof retaining the image data that was stored before even when it isdetached from the apparatus or a power source is blocked, a memoryhaving a backup function, and other storage medium using a magneticstorage medium in the same manner.

Next, the electronic filing function which functions by using thestorage unit 12 is provided to the image processing apparatus 1according to the first embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed below.

The storage unit 12 has a data storing area that is logically dividedinto two, namely, a first storage unit 121 and a second storage unit122. The image data stored (retained) by the first storage unit 121 isread out to the image memory 6 a to be stored therein, and further, itis transferred to the print unit 6 b to be outputted for printing to thecopy paper. When an image is formed in this way, the image data itselfand the history information such as an order, data or the like at whichprinting was carried out are stored in the first storage unit 121.

Nevertheless printing of the image data stored in the first storage unit121 is once carried out, it may be necessary to form the image againfrom the same image data due to inadequate setting of copy number or apaper jam. In such a case, setting the information related to theprinting by the operation of the operating unit 4 or setting theinformation related to the printing in the personal computers PC1 andPC2 or the like connected to the network NW to transmit the setinformation to the image processing apparatus 1, the image data storedin the first storage unit 121 without being erased is outputted to theimage forming unit 6 again to form the image on the basis of eachsetting.

In addition, the second storage unit 122 is an area to sort and store(retain) the image data stored (retained) by the first storage unit 121,for example, for each data form (hereinafter, referred to as a fileformat) or for each function such as the copying machine, the printer,the network scanner, and the FAX apparatus. The image data is sorted andstored in the second storage unit 122 after a certain period of timefrom inputting to the image processing apparatus 1 has passed.Accordingly, in the case of forming such image data, the image data isread out from the second storage unit 122 to be temporally stored in theimage memory 6 a, and the image data stored in the image memory 6 a istransferred to the print unit 6 b to be outputted for printing on thecopy paper.

In the meantime, the capacity of the first storage unit 121 is set to besmaller as compared to the second storage unit 122. Accordingly, whenthere is no sufficient vacant area (storing area) for storing the datain the first storage unit 121, for example, the image data stored by thefirst storage unit 121 is erased from the older image or it is updated(rewritten) into the newly inputted image data or the image data after acertain period of time since it is stored in the first storage unit 121is automatically erased.

On the other hand, the image data stored in the second storage unit 122is sorted and stored as described above. The image data stored in thesecond storage unit 122 is never erased unless the information forinstructing erasing is set by the operation of the operating unit 4.However, when the storage capacity of the second storage unit 122attains to the limit capacity, this fact is displayed on the displayunit 4 b and further noticed to the user. Thereby, when the useroperates the operating unit 4 to perform setting of, for example, erasethe image data, increase the HD, or replace the HD having a largerstorage capacity, it is possible to newly obtain or add a vacant storagearea of the capacity of the second storage unit 122. In addition, thesecond storage unit 122 has a plurality of folders classified for eachfile format of the image data, for example, and sorts the image dataaccording to kinds (file systems) thereof and stores it.

As described above, the image processing apparatus 1 according to thefirst embodiment of the present invention has the electronic filingfunction. Accordingly, when print processing of the image data stored inthe first storage unit 121 or print processing of the image data storedin the second storage unit 122 is carried out, the image data stored inthe second storage unit 122 is outputted to the image forming unit 6. Inthis case, the image data stored in the second storage unit 122 istemporally stored in the first storage unit 121. In addition, in thecase of forming an image after a certain period of time, the image datastored in the first storage unit 121 is sorted and stored in the secondstorage unit 122, and the image data stored in the second storage unit122 is outputted to the image forming unit 6 according to request ofprint processing so as to form an image.

The image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention will be described below about the case where thedata security kit 9 is mounted afterward or the case where the datasecurity kit 9 is mounted so as not to be operated but it is switched soas to be operated at a certain point of time.

In the above case, it is possible to partially or entirely stop theabove-described function of the image processing apparatus 1 accordingto the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, thecontrol unit 8 can partially or entirely stop the original operations ofthe first storage unit 121 and the second storage unit 122 of thestorage unit 12. In other words, the control unit 8 usually functions asthe image data operating means, however, it functions as operationchanging means to change the operation of the image data when the datasecurity kit 9 is operating.

Accordingly, when the data security kit 9 is operating, it becomespossible to secure security of the image data, for example, with respectto the image data whose print processing has been finished, by erasingthe file management information (FAT data) of the storage unit 12 storedin the managing unit 14 immediately finishing of print processing,erasing the image data stored in the image memory 6 a, erasing the imagedata stored in the storage unit 12 by updating with the bit data or thebyte data configured at random (hereinafter, referred to as the erasingprocessing), or carrying out the erasing processing after encrypting thedata so as to hardly read and temporarily storing it.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the data inside theimage processing apparatus 1 by an arrow when the data security kit 9 ismounted on the image processing apparatus 1 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention. In this example shown in FIG. 7, inaddition to the above-described example shown in FIG. 3, encryptingunits 9 a and 9 b and a decoding unit 9 c are added as new functionalblocks because the data security kit 9 is mounted thereon.

The encrypting unit 9 a is provided for encrypting the image datareceived by the communication unit 10 during transfer of it to the imagememory 6 a, the encrypting unit 9 b is provided for encrypting the imagedata read by the image reading unit 2 during transfer of it to the imagememory 6 a, and the decoding unit 9 c is provided for decoding theencrypted image data stored in the image memory 6 a during transfer ofit to the print unit 6 b of the image forming unit 6 to restore it intothe original image data.

In the meantime, the encrypting units 9 a, 9 b and the decoding unit 9 cmay be an option board for encrypting and decoding by hard ware, or theymay be a plug-in software for encrypting and decoding by software. Inany case, these encrypting units 9 a, 9 b and the decoding unit 9 c arethe functions to be added by mounting the data security kit 9.

The image data inputted from the image reading unit 2 or thecommunication unit 10 via the network NW is encrypted by the encryptingunit 9 b or 9 a of the data security kit 9 to be temporarily stored inthe image memory 6 a. Then, when the encrypted image data stored in theimage memory 6 a is outputted to the print unit 6 b, it is decoded bythe decoding unit 9 c to be restored into the original image data.

In the meantime, when the encrypted image data stored in the imagememory 6 a is stored in the storage unit 12, it is stored as beingencrypted. In addition, the encrypted image data having been stored inthe storage unit 12 is automatically erased by the control unit 8.Accordingly, in the image processing apparatus 1 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention, the security protection of theimage data after image-processed is realized.

Next, upon setting of the copy function of the image processingapparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention,the display unit 4 b in each processing step to carry out the erasingprocessing of the image data according to the security level,specifically, the displaying state of the touch panel 21 will bedescribed with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIG. 8 to FIG. 12.

FIG. 8 shows the displaying state of a display unit 21 when the datasecurity kit 9 is not mounted on the image processing apparatus 1. FIG.9 shows the displaying state of a display unit 21 when the data securitykit 9 is mounted on the image processing apparatus 1. FIG. 10 shows thedisplaying state of a display unit 21 when the user touches a portion ofan icon IC left under the display screen with the data security kit 9mounted on the image processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11shows the displaying state of a display unit 21 when the “image dataerasing processing” functions. FIG. 12 shows the displaying state of adisplay unit 21 when the user touches the portion of the icon IC leftunder the display screen of the image processing apparatus 1 in thestate shown in FIG. 11.

The screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 8 displays that the“electronic filing function” as the existing function of the imageprocessing apparatus 1 is activated and the image data after printing isto be stored in the storage unit 12 (the first storage unit 121).

The screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 9 displays the datasecurity kit 9 capable of activating the “image data erasing processing”function is mounted on the image processing apparatus 1. Furthermore,when the “image data erasing processing” is activated, an icon ICfiguring a “padlock” indicating that the “image data erasing processing”is available is displayed left under the display screen when the “imagedata erasing processing” function is activated so that the user canunderstand by instinct that the “image data erasing processing” isavailable.

In the case where the icon IC left under the display screen is touchedwith the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 9 displayed, when the “image dataerasing processing” is not operated (the apparatus is standing by), amessage as shown in FIG. 10, specifically, a title and the versioninformation of the data security kit 9 or the like are displayed in awindow approximately at a center of the display screen of the touchpanel 21.

In the meantime, the “image data erasing processing” function isoptionally treated as the “data security kit” in the image processingapparatus 1, and in the window of the display screen on the touch panel21 shown in FIG. 1, they are displayed as the “data security kit”.Accordingly, the user can confirm the contents and the versions or thelike of the “data security kit” and the “image data erasing processing”on the screen shown in FIG. 10.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, when the “image data erasingprocessing” is activated due to termination of a job or clear of a jobor the like, namely, when the data stored by the storage unit 12 (thefirst storage unit 121 and/or the second storage unit 122) is erasing, amessage of “UNDER ERASING DATA” indicating such fact is displayed in thewindow approximately at a center of the display screen of the touchpanel 21.

When the icon IC left under the display screen of the touch panel 21shown in FIG. 11 is touched, as shown in FIG. 12, a message of “UNDERERASING DATAAREA” is displayed indicating that the erasing processing ofthe image data stored by the storage unit 12 (the first storage unit 121and/or the second storage unit 122) is carried out by the “image dataerasing processing” and further, the progressing condition of theprocessing is displayed by a level approximately at a center of thedisplay screen of the touch panel 21. Thereby, the user can confirm theoperational condition of the erasing processing of the image data by the“image data erasing processing”.

In addition, as described above, when the erasing processing of theimage data stored by the storage unit 12 (the first storage unit 121and/or the second storage unit 122) is carried out by the “image dataerasing processing”, it is more effective to make the user to understandby instinct that the “image data erasing processing” is activated bydisplaying the icon IC in a state different from a normal displayingstate such as turning on and off or changing a color of the icon IC.

Next, the operation setting related to the “image data erasingprocessing” will be described below with reference to the schematicdiagrams of the display screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 13 toFIG. 16.

In the meantime, FIG. 13 shows the display screen of the touch panel 21for setting the details in the “image data erasing processing”operation. FIG. 14 shows the display screen of the touch panel 21 when aconfirmation window of erasing of the data is. FIG. 15 shows the displayscreen of the touch panel 21 when of the progressing condition of thedata erasing operation in the storage unit 12 is displayed by a level.FIG. 16 shows the display screen of the touch panel 21 on a screensetting the “number of times of automatic data erasing when each job isterminated”.

On the display screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 13, an “ALLDATA AREA ERASING” key K11 for instructing to forcibly erase the datastored by the storage unit 12 (the first storage unit 121 and/or thesecond storage unit 122) at arbitrary timing and a check box K12 of“AUTOMATIC ERASING AT POWER ON” for setting the apparatus to carry outthe all erasing processing of the image data stored by the storage unit12 every time the power source of the image processing apparatus 1 isturned on are displayed. Further, when the check box K12 of “AUTOMATICERASING AT POWER ON” is checked, a check mark “V” is displayed.

In addition, on the display screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG.13, a “NUMBER OF TIMES OF ALL DATA AREA ERASING” key K13 for setting thenumber of times of erasing processing of the “erasing all data area”, a“NUMBER OF TIMES OF AUTOMATIC ERASING AT POWER ON” key K14 for settingthe number of times of erasing processing of the “automatic erasing atpower on”, and a “NUMBER OF TIMES OF AUTOMATIC ERASING AT TERMINATINGJOB” key K15 for setting the number of times of carrying out the erasingprocessing only about the printed image data stored by the storage unit12 (the first storage unit 121 and/or the second storage unit 122) fromthe storage unit 12 are displayed.

At respective right positions in the vicinity of these “NUMBER OF TIMESOF ALL DATA AREA ERASING” key K13, “NUMBER OF TIMES OF AUTOMATIC ERASINGAT POWER ON” key K14, and “NUMBER OF TIMES OF AUTOMATIC ERASING ATTERMINATING JOB” key K15, the number of times of erasing set by theoperation of each key is displayed. However, each default thereof is “1”both in the “NUMBER OF TIMES OF ALL DATAAREA ERASING” key K13 and the“NUMBER OF TIMES OF AUTOMATIC ERASING AT TERMINATING JOB” key K15, and“0” in the “NUMBER OF TIMES OF AUTOMATIC ERASING AT POWER ON” key K14.

In the case where the number of times of erasing processing appropriatefor a security level is set by the above-described operation of eachkey, when the image data stored by the storage unit 12 (the firststorage unit 121 and/or the second storage unit 122) becomesunnecessary, the erasing processing of the data is repeated by thenumber of times of the erasing processing that is set. Accordingly, itis possible to set the number of times of the erasing processingaccording to the security level required by the image processingapparatus 1 in accordance with the place where the apparatus isinstalled in the image processing apparatus 1. In addition, by theoperation of the “ALL DATA AREA ERASING” key K11, the operation to carryout the erasing processing of the all image data stored by the storageunit 12 at the arbitrary timing is very effective, for example, in thecase of erasing the important data with the very high security leveljust after outputting it for printing.

Upon carrying out the erasing processing of the all image data stored bythe storage unit 12 by touching the “ALL DATA AREA ERASING” key K11 onthe display screen of the touch panel 21, as shown in FIG. 13, aconfirmation window W11 is displayed approximately at a center of thedisplay screen of the touch panel 21, as shown in FIG. 14. On thisconfirmation window W11, a button B11 of “NOT ERASING” and a button B12of “ERASING” are displayed. Then, when the button B12 of “ERASING” istouched, the erasing processing of the all data stored by the storageunit 12 is started.

When the erasing processing of the all data stored by the storage unit12 is started in practice as described above, as shown in FIG. 15, awindow W12 for displaying the progressing condition of the processing isdisplayed by a level on the display screen of the touch panel 21.

When the “NUMBER OF TIMES OF ALL DATAAREA ERASING” key K13 or the“NUMBER OF TIMES OF AUTOMATIC ERASING AT TERMINATING JOB” key K15 or the“NUMBER OF TIMES OF AUTOMATIC ERASING AT POWER ON” key K14 is touched onthe above-described display screen of the touch panel 21 as shown inFIG. 13, on the display screen of the touch panel 21, the setting screenof the “number of times of erasing all data area” or the “number oftimes of automatic erasing at terminating job” or the “number of timesof automatic erasing at power on” is displayed. FIG. 16 shows thedisplay screen of the touch panel 21 when the “NUMBER OF TIMES OF ALLDATA AREA ERASING” key K13 is touched as an example.

As shown in the FIG. 16, for example, when the “NUMBER OF TIMES OF ALLDATA AREA ERASING” key K13 is touched, an “UP” key K16 and a “DOWN” keyK17 are displayed. Therefore, according to operation of any key, it ispossible to set the number of times of erasing processing arbitrarily.In the meantime, also when other key, namely, the “NUMBER OF TIMES OFAUTOMATIC ERASING AT TERMINATING JOB” key K15 or the “NUMBER OF TIMES OFAUTOMATIC ERASING AT POWER ON” key K14 is touched on the display screenof the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 13, as same as the above-describedcase that the “NUMBER OF TIMES OF ALL DATA AREA ERASING” key K13 istouched, it is possible to set the number of times of erasing processingarbitrarily.

However, with respect to the processing of “automatic erasing atterminating job”, no matter whether or not the “NUMBER OF TIMES OFAUTOMATIC ERASING AT TERMINATING JOB” key K15 is touched, a default “1”is automatically set as the number of times of automatic erasing whenthe “image data erasing functions” are available by mounting the datasecurity kit 9 on the image processing apparatus 1.

It is preferable that the above-described setting of each function ofthe data security kit 9 is carried out according to the security levelrequired at the location where the image processing apparatus 1 isinstalled when the data security kit 9 is mounted on the imageprocessing apparatus 1 and the “image data erasing functions” areavailable. In addition, by touching the “ALL DATA AREA ERASING” key K11,in accordance to need of each time, it is possible to carry out theerasing processing of the all data stored by the storage unit 12.

In the meantime, the image processing apparatus 1 also can carry out thesame processing as the above-described processing when using it as thecopying machine even when it is used as the printer, the networkscanner, or the FAX.

Next, a sequence of procedure of the erasing processing of the imagedata of the storage unit 12 of the image processing apparatus 1according to the first embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed below with reference to the flow charts shown in FIG. 17 andFIG. 18 taking the procedure when the copying function is set as theimage processing.

The following processing are carried out by controlling the operationsof each structural unit by means of the control unit 8 based on thecontrol program 15 a stored in the ROM 15.

When the power source of the image processing apparatus 1 is turned on,at first, the control unit 8 checks the condition of each device toconfigure the apparatus (step S31). When there is no abnormality as aresult of the checking (YES in step S32), the control unit 8 startswarm-up of each device so that the image processing apparatus 1 cancarry out predetermined operation (step S33).

On the other hand, when abnormality is found as a result of checking ofeach device (NO in step S32), the control unit 8 carries outpredetermined error processing according to the found abnormality (stepS34). In the case where abnormality is found in the touch panel 21, asthis error processing, for example, the processing to display a windowincluding a message indicating that abnormality is found in the touchpanel 21 and a message for requiring confirmation of the fact to theuser is available.

Upon starting the above-described warm-up (step S33), next, the controlunit 8 confirms whether or not the “mode of automatic erasing at poweron” is set (on) for initializing the storage unit 12 when turning on thepower source (step S35). As described above, setting of this “mode ofautomatic erasing at power on” is set by checking the check box K12 of“AUTOMATIC ERASING AT POWER ON” on the display screen of the touch panel21 shown in FIG. 13.

When the “mode of automatic erasing at power on” is set (Yes in stepS35), the control unit 8 starts the initialization of the storage unit12 (step S36) and further, displays that the image data stored by thestorage unit 12 is under erasing (progressing condition) on the windowon the display screen of the touch panel 21 (step S37). In this time,the control unit 8 repeats the initialization processing by carrying outthe erasing processing of the data stored by the storage unit 12 by thenumber of times of the erasing processing set in advance in theabove-described display screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 13and FIG. 16 (step S38). By this processing, all of the image data storedby the storage unit 12 are erased.

When the erasing processing of the data in the storage unit 12 isfinished (YES in step S38) or when the “mode of automatic erasing atpower on” is not set (on) (NO in step S35), the control unit 8 stands bytill warm-up of each device is completed after making the display screenof the touch panel 21 to display a basic screen (No in step S39), andwhen the warm-up of each device is competed (YES in step S39), thecontrol unit 8 stands ready to set a job (step S40).

On standby in step S40, the original document is put on a set positionof the image reading unit 2 and the copying function with respect tothis original document is set, and then, a “START” key 16 is turned on(YES in step S41), the original document is optically scanned by the CCD2 a of the image processing apparatus 2 (step S42) to temporarily storethe image data acquired as a result of this in the image memory 6 a pageby page. Then, the control unit 8 transfers the image data stored in theimage memory 6 a to the storage unit 12 so as to store it in the firststorage unit 121 (under certain circumstances, the second storage unit122) and it stores the managing information (the FAT data) with respectto the image data stored in the storage unit 12 in the managing unit 14.Thus, the image data is accumulated and managed (step S43).

The control unit 8 prepares the print data by reading the image datastored in the storage unit 12 as described above from the first storageunit 121 of the storage unit 12 adjusting to timing of image formation(print outputting) to store it in the image memory 6 a or reading theimage data from the second storage unit 122 into the first storage unit121 to store it in the image memory 6 a page by page (step S44). Whenthe necessary print data is prepared in the image memory 6 a, thecontrol unit 8 transfers the print data to the print unit 6 b (LSU:laser scanning unit) to output it for printing (step S45).

Thus, when it is confirmed that the image data is outputted forprinting, the control unit 8 updates the managing data (the FAT data)stored in the managing unit 14 with respect to this image data aftercompletion of the processing (step S46), and when a sequence of printprocessing is terminated, the control unit 8 carries out the erasingprocessing with respect to the storage area in the storage unit 12 ofthe image data that is used for this sequence of print processing (stepS47). Also in this case, the control unit 8 repeats the initializationprocessing by carrying out the erasing processing of the data stored bythe storage unit 12 by the number of times of the erasing processing setin advance in the display screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG. 13and FIG. 16 (step S48). After that, the image processing apparatus 1stands by again (step S49).

In the meantime, the image processing apparatus 1 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention can operate the image data when itis used as the printer, the network scanner, or the FAX apparatus assame as the above-described case that it is used as the copying machine.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

Next, the second embodiment according to the present invention will bespecifically described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the structural example of hardware ofan image processing apparatus (the digital MFP) according to a secondembodiment of the present invention. In the meantime, the structuralexample of hardware of the image processing apparatus according to thesecond embodiment shown in FIG. 19 is different from that of theabove-described first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the ROM 15stores a security program 15 b for improving the security in addition tothe control program 15 a in place of the data security kit 9. However,other structural elements are the same as those of the first embodiment,so that the explanation thereof is herein omitted.

According to the image processing apparatus 1 of the second embodimentof the present invention, the control unit 8 can control the apparatusin accordance with the security program 15 b for improving the securityin addition to the control program 15 a stored in the ROM 15. Byreplacing the ROM not storing the security program 15 b with the ROM 15storing it, or by receiving the instruction to operate the securityprogram 15 b that is stored in the ROM 15 but is set not to be operatedby means of the operating unit 4, the control unit 8 can control theimage processing apparatus 1 in accordance with the security program 15b stored by the ROM 15.

In this case, the control unit 8 functions as invalidating means bycarrying out the control in accordance with the security program 15 bstored by the ROM 15. In this case, the image data stored by the storageunit 12 are invalidated, namely, the image data stored by the storageunit 12 are unavailable by encrypting, erasing or overwriting withpredetermined information or the like. In addition, even if the imagedata is erased, the image data is restored due to magnetism remaining inthe storage unit 12, so that it is also possible to set the apparatus soas to carry out the control unit 8 with respect to the same data by aplurality of times.

When the security program 15 b is not operated, the managing unit 14stores the managing information indicating that the security program 15b is not in the state of operation. In addition, in the case where theROM without storing the security program 15 b is replaced with the ROM15 storing the security program 15 b or in the case where the operatingunit 4 receives the instruction to operate the security program 15 bstored by the ROM 15, the control unit 8 makes the managing unit 14store the managing information indicating that the security program 15 bis in the state of operation.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the data inside theimage processing apparatus when the security program 15 b is operatingby an arrow. In the output processing (the print processing) of theimage, by receiving the instruction of copying by the operating unit 4,or receiving the image data transmitted from the PC at the communicationunit 10 via the network NW, or receiving the image data at thecommunication unit 10 via the PSTN through facsimile communication orthe like, the control unit 8 checks the managing information stored bythe managing unit 14 to determine whether or not the content of themanaging information indicates that the security program 15 b is in thestate of operation.

In the case where the security program 15 b is in the state ofoperation, the control unit 8, in accordance with the control program 15a and the security program 15 b stored by the ROM 15, encrypts the imagedata and store it in the image memory 6 a temporarily, and then, storesit in the first storage unit 121, reads out the encrypted image datastored in the first storage unit 121 to the image memory 6 a, decodesthe read image data, and transfers it to the image forming unit 6 tooutput it for printing. After completion of print outputting, thecontrol unit 8 erases the image data stored in the first storage unit121 in accordance with the control program 15 a and the security program15 b stored in the ROM 15.

Thus, when the control unit 8 controls the image processing apparatus 1in accordance with the security program 15 b, the control unit 8 securesthe security of the information by invalidating the image data to beprocessed by encrypting and erasing.

Further, according to the second embodiment of the present invention,when the control unit 8 controls the image processing apparatus 1 inaccordance with the security program 15 b, in accordance with thecontrol program 15 a, the control unit 8 accepts the designation of theimage data to be retained with respect to the image data that isnecessarily retained without erasing when processing the image data andit retains the designated image data in the first storage unit 121without erasing.

Next, the processing carried out by the image processing apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed using a flow chart. FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are flow chartsshowing the procedure of the output processing (print outputting) of theimage that is carried out by the image processing apparatus according tothe second embodiment of the present invention. In the meantime, thefollowing processing is carried out by the control unit 8 in accordancewith the control program 15 a stored by the ROM 15 and the securityprogram 15 b.

Accepting the instruction for copying the image and outputting it forprinting by the operating unit 4 (S101), the control unit 8 checks themanaging information stored in the managing unit 14 (S102), and itdetermines whether or not the content of the managing informationindicates that the security program 15 b is in the state of operation(S103).

When the content of the managing information indicates that the securityprogram 15 b is in the state of operation (YES in S103), the controlunit 8 outputs an instruction acceptance screen for accepting theinstruction to carry out print outputting of the image with erasing ofthe image data after carrying out print outputting of the image definedas the basic setting to the operating unit 4 so as to display it on thedisplay unit 4 b, specifically, on the touch panel 21 (S104).

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating an instruction acceptancescreen of print outputting of the image by copying, which is displayedon the touch panel 21. On this screen, the conditions of printoutputting such as a size of the copy paper, a resolution and the numberof copies used for print outputting are displayed, and it is possible tochange these conditions on the screen. In addition, it is also possibleto designate the additional condition such as outputting of the imagedata on the both sides of the copy paper or variable magnification ofthe size of the image to be outputted. Further, a check box K20 of“ERASE DATA AFTER OUTPUT” for designating whether or not the image datais erased after outputting is displayed. However, according to thisexample, since the security program 15 b is operated, as shown in FIG.23, the state that erasing of the image data is designated (the checkbox K20 is checked) is displayed.

The user confirms the instruction acceptance screen as shown in FIG. 23,and when there is not necessity to store the image data, as checking thecheck box K20 on the screen, touching an “OUTPUT” key K21, the userinputs the instruction to carry out outputting of the image. On theother hand, when there is necessity to retain the image data afteroutputting the image without erasing, as shown in FIG. 24, the userreleases instruction of erasing of the image data on the instructionacceptance screen. Specifically, releasing checking of the check box K20and touching an “OUTPUT” key K210, the user inputs the instruction tocarry out outputting of the image.

When the user instructs outputting on the instruction acceptance screenas shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the control unit 8 accepts theinstruction to carry out print outputting from the operating unit 4(S105), and encrypting the image data generated by the image readingunit 2 and temporally stores it in the first storage unit 121 (S106).Then, the control unit 8 reads out the encrypted image data stored inthe first storage unit 121 to the image memory 6 a to decode it andforms an image from the decoded data in the imaging forming unit 6 tooutput it for printing (S107).

In step S103, when the content of the managing information stored in themanaging unit 14 does not indicate that the security program 15 b is notin the state of operation (NO in S103), the control unit 8 outputs theinstruction acceptance screen for accepting the instruction to carry outprint outputting of the image with retaining of the image data withouterasing after carrying out outputting of the image defined as the basicsetting to the operating unit 4 so as to display it on the touch panel21 (S108).

In this case, since the security program 15 b is not operated, as shownin FIG. 24, with erasing of the image data not designated (the check boxK20 is not checked), the instruction acceptance screen is displayed.When the user designates erasing of the image data on the instructionacceptance screen, specifically, checks the check box K20, it is alsopossible to instruct erasing of the image data after outputting theimage.

When the user turns on the “OUTPUT” key K21 on the instructionacceptance screen as shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 to instruct theoutput, the control unit 8 accepts the instruction to carry out printoutputting from the operating unit 4 (S109), and temporarily stores theimage data generated by the image reading unit 2 in the first storageunit 121 (S110). Then, the control unit 8 reads out the image datastored in the first storage unit 121 to the image memory 6 a and formsan image in the image forming unit 6 to output it for printing (S111).

After the processing in step S107 or step S111 is finished, the controlunit 8 determines whether or not it accepts the instruction of erasingthe image data upon instructing to carry out print outputting (S112). Asa result, when the control unit 8 accepts the instruction to erase theimage data (YES in S112), it erases the image data stored in the firststorage unit 121 (S113), and after that, it terminates the processing.On the other hand, when the control unit 8 does not accept theinstruction to erase the image data (NO in S112), it terminates theprocessing without erasing the image data stored in the first storageunit 121. Thereby, the image data is retained in the first storage unit121.

In the meantime, not only when copying the image, but also whenoutputting the image data transmitted from the PC and received by thecommunication unit 10, or also when outputting the image data receivedby the communication unit 10 via the facsimile communication, thecontrol unit 8 carries out the processing as same as the above.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure upon operatingthe image data stored in a storage unit 12 by the image processingapparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.In the meantime, the following processing is carried out by the controlunit 8 in accordance with the control program 15 a and the securityprogram 15 b stored by the ROM 15.

When the operating unit 4 accepts the instruction to operate the file ofthe image data retained by the storage unit 12 (S121), the control unit8 checks the managing information stored in the managing unit 14 (S122),and it determines whether or not the content of the managing informationindicates that the security program 15 b is in the state of operation(S123). When the content of the managing information indicates that thesecurity program 15 b is in the state of operation (YES in S123), thecontrol unit 8 outputs the instruction acceptance screen for acceptingthe instruction to carry out the operation of the image data witherasing the image data after carrying out the operation of the imagedata defined as the basic setting to the operating unit 4 so as todisplay it on the touch panel 21 (S124).

FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are schematic diagrams illustrating the instructionreceiving screen of the image data operation to be displayed on thetouch panel 21 of the operating unit 4. At first, as shown in FIG. 26, aretrieving screen for retrieving the file of the image data that theuser wants to operate from a standard folder retaining the image data inthe first storage unit 121 or a temporary retaining folder retaining theimage data in the second storage unit 122 and check boxes K22 and K23for designating whether or not the file of the image data is retained asit is after operation are displayed on the touch panel 21.

In this case, since the security program 15 b is operating, as shown inFIG. 26, the retrieving screen is displayed with the file of the imagedata designated not to be retained (the check box K23 of “NOT RETAIN” ischecked). The user confirms the retrieving screen, and when it isnecessary to retain the file of the image data, as shown in FIG. 27, theuser inputs the instruction to retain the file of the image data withouterasing by designating retaining the file of the image data on thescreen (the check box K22 of “RETAIN” is checked).

Designating the standard folder or the temporary retaining folder on theretrieving screen, the user can select a processing mode of the imagedata such as copying or print outputting. When the user selects anyprocessing mode, as shown in FIG. 28, a file list of the image dataretained by the storage unit 12 with respect the processing modeselected by the user is displayed on the touch panel 21.

When the user selects one file from the file list shown in FIG. 28, asshown in FIG. 29, a menu screen for operating the image data isdisplayed on the touch panel 21. Since the menus such as output as animage, move to other folder, transmit to the external PC, erase, changeof attributes of the image data, and display the detail information ofthe image data are displayed on this screen, the user can operate thefile of the image data by designating any one from among the menus.

When the user touches the “OUTPUT” key K24 on the screen shown in FIG.29 to instruct outputting, the instruction acceptance screen forcarrying out print outputting as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed on thetouch panel 21. Also in this case, the check box K20 to designatewhether or not the image data is erased after outputting is displayed.However, when the user already designates to retain the file of theimage data, the designation to erase the image data is released, namely,checking of the check box K20 of “ERASE DATA AFTER OUTPUT” is released.In the meantime, at this point of time, it is possible to designateerasing or retaining of the image data.

When the content of the managing information does not indicate that thesecurity program 15 b is in the state of operation (NO in S123), thecontrol unit 8 outputs the instruction acceptance screen for acceptingthe instruction to carry out the operation of the image data withretaining the image data without erasing after carrying out theoperation of the image data defined as the basic setting to theoperating unit 4 so as to display it on the touch panel 21 (S125). Inthis case, since the security program 15 b is not operated, as shown inFIG. 27, the retrieving screen is outputted with the file of the imagedata designated to be retained, namely, with the check box K22 of“RETAIN” checked.

After the processing in step S124 or step S125 is finished, when theuser instructs outputting on the instruction acceptance screen as shownin FIG. 30 or the like, the control unit 8 accepts the instruction tocarry out the image data from the operating unit 4 (S126), and carriesout the processing of the file operation (S127). Next, the control unit8 determines whether or not it accepts the instruction to erase theimage data upon instructing to carry out the processing (S128), and whenthe control unit 8 accepts the instruction to erase the image data (YESin S128), it erases the file of the processed image data from thestorage unit 12 (S129), then terminates the processing. On the otherhand, when the control unit 8 does not accept the instruction to erasethe image data (NO in S128), it terminates the processing as the file ofthe processed image data is retained in the storage unit 12 withouterasing it.

As described in detail above, in the image processing apparatus 1according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the casewhere the security program 15 b is operating, it is inhibited inprinciple to retain the processed image data such as the outputted imagedata in the storage unit 12. However, the image data that accepts theinstruction by the user upon carrying out the processing is retained inthe storage unit 12. Thereby, there is no possibility that the imagedata is retained in the image processing apparatus without the user'sconscious of retaining of the image data. Accordingly, it is possible toprevent the image data retained in the image processing apparatuswithout the user's recognition thereof from being taken out to theoutside and being illegally used.

In addition, when the user judges that there is no confidentiality,since the image data that is instructed to be retained in the storageunit 12 is retained in the image processing apparatus 1, it is possibleto reuse the image data as same as the conventional case. As a result,according to the image processing apparatus 1 of the second embodimentof the present invention, it is possible to make improvement of thesecurity compatible with convenience of usage of the image data.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

Next, the third embodiment according to the present invention will bespecifically described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing the structural example of hardware ofan image processing apparatus (a digital MFP) according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention. In the meantime, the structuralexample of the third embodiment shown in this FIG. 31 is different fromthose of the first and second embodiments shown in the above-describedFIG. 1 in that it is not provided with the data security kit 9, thesecurity program 15 b is not stored in the ROM 15, and the structure ofthe storage unit 12 is different. In addition, according to the thirdembodiment, the operation of the image memory 6 a is also different fromthose of the first and second embodiments. However, other structuralelements are the same as those of the first embodiment, so that theexplanation thereof is herein omitted.

The storage unit 12 of the image processing apparatus 1 according to thethird embodiment has a data retaining area that is logically dividedinto three, namely, a working area 12 a functioning as the temporarystoring means for temporally storing the image data to be processed whenthe image processing apparatus 1 carries out the processing of the imagedata, a temporary retaining area 12 b for temporally retaining the imagedata to be processed so as to be reused, and a retaining area 12 c forretaining the image data for a longer period of time.

The working area 12 a temporally stores the image data to be processedwhen the image processing apparatus 1 carries out the processing of theimage data such as outputting the image for printing, transmission ofthe image data, or reception of the image data or the like and theprocessed image data is erased after the processing is finished. Thetemporary storage area 12 b retains the processed image data stored inthe working area 12 a by designation of the user. In the meantime, whenmuch image data are retained and this leads to lack of the storagecapacity in the temporary storage area 12 b, the image data issequentially erased from the older data when the new data is retainedtherein. In the retaining area 12 c, for example, a plurality of folderscreated for each user is registered and each user can retain the imagedata in a dedicated folder of each user.

Accordingly, the image processing apparatus 1 can reuse the image dataretained by the temporary storage area 12 b and the retaining area 12 cof the storage unit 12 by reading out it.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an operating unit 4 ofthe image processing apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment,specifically, the touch panel 2 and the switching keys 23 a, 23 b, and23 c for each mode. This structure is basically the same as that shownin FIG. 2, however, the display unit 4 b, specifically, the contentshown on the touch panel 21 is different.

Specifically, as same as the above-described example shown in FIG. 2,the operating unit 4 is provided with the display unit 4 b displayingthe necessary information, the touch panel 21 serving as the input unit4 a for accepting various instructions from the user, the numeric keypad22, the “START” key 16 for accepting the instruction to start theprocessing from the user, the switching keys 23 a, 23 b, and 23 c foreach mode, and the “USER SETTING” key 24 or the like. Specifically, theswitching key for each mode including the “DOCUMENT FILING” key 23 aaccepting the instruction to use the image data retained by the storageunit 12, a “FAX/IMAGE TRANSMIT” key 23 b for accepting the instructionof transmission of the image data to the outside using the communicationunit (modem) 10, the “COPY” key 23 c for accepting the instruction ofcopying, and the “JOB CONDITION” key 23 d for accepting the instructionto display the information indicating the processing condition of theimage data.

In addition, the display screen of the touch panel 21 (the display unit4 b) shown in FIG. 32 is the operational screen for the copy processingto be displayed when the user operates the “COPY” key 23 c. On the rightside of this copy operational screen, a “DOCUMENT” key 216 to accept thedesignation of the copy original document such as a size, a “COPYDENSITY” key 213 to accept the designation of the copy density, a“PAPER” key 214 to accept the designation of the copy paper forrecording the copied image, and a “MAGNIFICATION” key 215 for acceptingthe designation of a copy magnification are displayed, respectively.Each key displays the content designated by the operation (touching eachkey portion on the touch panel 21) of the user on the upper half of thekey.

Further, on the left side of this copy operational screen, a “SPECIALFUNCTION” key 217 to accept the designation of setting of a specialprocessing condition such as division of the copied image or connectionof a plurality of images, a “DOUBLE SIDE COPY” key 218 to accept thedesignation of the condition of the double side copy, a “FINISHING” key219 to accept the finishing processing such as stapling or folding thepaper, a “FILING” key 211 to accept the instruction for retaining theimage data in the retaining area 12 c, and an “AUTO TEMP. RETAINING” key212 to accept the instruction for retaining the image data in thetemporary storage area 12 b are displayed, respectively. In themeantime, the “FILING” key 211 and the “AUTO TEMP. RETAINING” key 212function as retaining instruction accepting means according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

Next, the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 according to thethird embodiment of the present invention will be described below withreference to the flow chart and the schematic diagram illustrating theoperational screen to be displayed on the touch panel 21 below. FIG. 33and FIG. 34 are the flow charts for showing the procedure of theprocessing that are carried out by the image processing apparatus 1according to the third embodiment of the present invention uponactivation of the image processing apparatus 1. In the meantime, thefollowing processing is carried out by the control unit 8 in accordancewith the control program 15 a stored by the ROM 15.

When the power source of the image processing apparatus 1 is turned on(S141), the control unit 8 carries out the activation processing,namely, checks each device and program inside the image processingapparatus 1 (S142). The control unit 8 determines when abnormality isfound by checking the inside thereof (S143), and then, when someabnormalities are found (YES in S143), the control unit 8 displays theerror information on the touch panel 21 of the operating unit 4 (S144)to stop the activation processing. When no abnormality is found bychecking the inside thereof (NO in S143), the control unit 8 starts thewarm-up of the image processing apparatus 1 (S145).

The control unit 8 monitors the detection of the error such that eachdevice inside the apparatus is not activated normally during warm-up(S146), and when the control unit 8 detects the error (YES in S146), itdisplays the error information on the touch panel 21 of the operatingunit 4 (S147) to stop the activation processing. When no error isdetected (NO in S146), the control unit 8 determines whether or notwarm-up is completed (S148), and when warm-up is not completed (NO inS148), returning the processing to step S146, it continues theprocessing to monitor the detection of the error.

When no error is detected and warm-up is completed (YES in S148), thecontrol unit 8 determines whether or not the erasing of the image dataupon activation is set (S149). When the erasing of the image data uponactivation is set (YES in S149), the control unit 8 erases the imagedata stored in the working area 12 a and the temporary storage area 12 bof the storage unit 12 (S150). However, in this case, the image dataretained in the retaining area 12 c is not erased. Next, the controlunit 8 determines whether or not erasing of the image data to be erasedis completed (S151), and when it is not completed (NO in S151),returning the processing to step S150, it continues the erasing of theimage data.

When the erasing of the image data upon activation is not set in stepS149 (NO in S149) or when the erasing of the image data is completed instep S151 (YES in S151), the control unit 8 starts standing by of acceptof the processing instruction (S152) to terminate the processing uponactivation. In the meantime, it is possible to set the erasing of theimage data upon activation when the operating unit 4 accepts theoperation by the user.

The managing unit 14 stores standard setting that has been determined inadvance with respect to a plurality of processing conditions of theimage data and functions as condition storing means. In the meantime,under the standard setting, it is set so as to prohibit the image dataapplied with the processing such as copying from retained in thetemporary storage area 12 b and the retaining area 12 c of the storageunit 12. The processing condition to set the condition when thisprocessed image data is retained in the temporary storage area 12 b andthe retaining area 12 c of the storage unit 12 is referred to as aretaining processing condition.

Therefore, in the case where the image processing apparatus 1 processesthe image data in accordance with the processing condition of thestandard setting stored by the managing unit 14, the image data to beprocessed is temporally stored in the working area 12 a but it is erasedafter the processing is terminated.

In the case of accepting the instruction to change the setting of theprocessing condition by the user from the operating unit 4, the controlunit 8 functions as condition changing means, and it changes theprocessing condition of the image data from the standard setting intothe setting by the user. Thereby, the operating unit 4 can accept theinstruction (retaining instruction) for retaining the image data in thetemporary storage area 12 b or the retaining area 12 c of the storageunit 12. In other words, it is also possible to change the setting ofthe retaining processing condition from the standard setting.

FIG. 35 and FIG. 36 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operationalscreen to be displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operating unit 4when the image data is instructed to be retained in the temporaryretaining area 12 b. When the user touches the “AUTO TEMP. RETAINING”key 212 on the operational screen of the touch panel 21 shown in FIG.32, a message to make the user to confirm that the processed image datais retained in the temporary retaining folder is displayed on the touchpanel 21 as shown in FIG. 35. In the meantime, this temporary retainingfolder is a folder corresponding to the temporary retaining area 12 b.

When the user touches an “OK” key 601 for confirmation on the touchpanel 21 shown in FIG. 35, the operational screen showing that an “AUTOTEMP. RETAINING” key 212 is selected is displayed by reversing displayon the touch panel 21 as shown in FIG. 36. Thus, by selecting the “AUTOTEMP. RETAINING” key 212, it is indicated that retaining of the imagedata in the temporary retaining area 12 b is instructed.

FIG. 37 to FIG. 44 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operationalscreen to be displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operating unit 4when retaining of the image data in the retaining area 12 c isinstructed.

When the user touches the “FILING” key 211 on the operational screen ofthe touch panel 21, on the touch panel 21, the operational screen foraccepting the retaining condition in the retaining area 12 c as shown inFIG. 37 is displayed. On this operational screen shown in FIG. 37, acheck box of “CONFIDENTIAL” 611 for accepting the designation whether ornot the image data is to be protected by a password, a “PASSWORD” key612 for accepting the designation of the password, a “USER NAME” key 613for accepting the designation of the user, a “FILE NAME” key 614 foraccepting the designation of a file name of the image data, and a“RETAINING DESTINATION” key 615 for accepting the designation of afolder name in the retaining area 12 c for retaining the image data aredisplayed, respectively.

Just after the user touches the “FILING” key 211, the standard settingis displayed as shown in FIG. 37. Under this standard setting, the checkbox of “CONFIDENTIAL” 611 is not checked. Under this condition, sincethe password is not necessary, the “PASSWORD” key 612 is made into theunavailable condition as represented by a broken line. In addition, as auser name, “UNKNOWN”, as a file name, that automatically made by a timeor the like, and as a retaining destination, a standard folder aredesignated respectively under the standard setting.

When the user touches the “USER NAME” key 613 on the operational screenshown in FIG. 37, a selection screen of the user name as shown in FIG.38 is displayed on the touch panel 21. Since user names registered inadvance are displayed on this screen, when the user designates any username and touches an “OK” key 621, the user name is designated.

When the user touches the “FILE NAME” key 614 on the operational screenshown in FIG. 37, on the touch panel 21, an input screen of the filename is displayed as shown in FIG. 39. Since a plurality of input keysfor inputting characters such as hiragana or alphabet is displayed onthis input screen, the user can input an optional file name by touchingeach input key. Then, after the user inputs the file name on theoperational screen shown in FIG. 37, the file name is designated bytouching the “OK” key 622 after the user inputs the file name on theoperational screen shown in FIG. 37.

When the user touches the “RETAINING DESTINATION” key 615 on theoperational screen shown in FIG. 37, on the touch panel 21, theselection screen of the folder as shown in FIG. 40 is displayed. Sincefolder names registered in advance are displayed on this screen, whenthe user touches an “OK” key 623 while designating any folder name, thefolder of the retaining destination of the image data is designated. Inthe meantime, in FIG. 40, the folder to whose folder name a key mark isadded is protected by a password, and in order to designate this folder,it is necessary to input the password.

When the user checks the check box of “CONFIDENTIAL” 611 on theoperational screen shown in FIG. 37 by touching this check box, on thetouch panel 21, the operational screen as shown in FIG. 41 such that the“PASSWORD” key 612 is available is displayed on the touch panel 21. Whenthe user touches the “PASSWORD” key 612 shown in FIG. 41, on the touchpanel 21, the input screen of the password as shown in FIG. 42 isdisplayed. When the user touches an “OK” key 624 after inputting thepassword on this screen using the numeric keypad 22, the password isaccepted.

In the case where the retaining condition necessary for retaining theimage data in the retaining area 12 c is accepted, on the touch panel21, the operational screen as shown in FIG. 43 having the password, theuser name, the file name, and the folder name of the retainingdestination are designated is displayed. When the user touches the “OK”key 616 on the operational screen shown in FIG. 43, the operationalscreen showing that the “FILING” key 211 is selected by reverse displayis displayed on the touch panel 21 as shown in FIG. 44. Thus, byselecting the “FILING” key 211, it is indicated that retaining of theimage data in the retaining area 12 c is instructed.

When the user touches other keys on the operational screen shown in FIG.36 or FIG. 44, it is possible to designate setting of other processingconditions such as a copy density and a copy magnification. FIG. 45 andFIG. 46 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operational screen to bedisplayed on the touch panel 21 of the operating unit 4 when changing ofsetting of the processing condition of the image data is completed.Further, FIG. 45 shows the operational screen when the “AUTO TEMP.RETAINING” key 212 is designated, and FIG. 46 shows the operationalscreen when the “FILING” key 211 is designated.

On the operational screens shown in FIG. 45 and FIG. 46, changing of thecopy density is designated by the “COPY DENSITY” key 213 is designated,and changing of the copy magnification is designated by the“MAGNIFICATION” key 215. Under this condition, when the user turns onthe “START” key 16, the image processing apparatus 1 carries out thecopying processing of the image under the designated processingcondition.

In the meantime, the above changing of the processing condition also canbe carried out upon processing of the facsimile transmission or printoutputting. Under the standard setting of the retaining processingcondition upon processing of the facsimile transmission or processing ofprint outputting, the processed image data is not set to be retained inthe storage unit 12 as same as the case of copying processing. In thecase of the facsimile transmission, when the user operates the“FAX/IMAGE TRANSMIT” key 23 b of the operating unit 4 shown in FIG. 32,on the touch panel 21, the operational screen for the facsimiletransmission as same as the copying processing is displayed, and theimage processing apparatus 1 accepts changing of setting of theretaining processing condition. In addition, in the case of printoutputting, when the personal computer PC1 or PC2 as the informationprocessing apparatus transmits the image data to the image processingapparatus 1, it is possible to accept on the screen of a printer driverthe instruction to retain the image data in the temporary storage area12 b and the retaining area 12 c. The personal computer PC1 or PC2transmits the accepted information of the retaining instruction to theimage processing apparatus 1 via the network NW together with the imagedata. In accordance with the information received from a PC as theinformation processing apparatus, the control unit 8 of the imageprocessing apparatus 1 changes setting of the retaining processingcondition.

FIG. 47 and FIG. 48 are flow charts showing the procedure of the imageprocessing to be carried out by the image processing apparatus accordingto the third embodiment of the present invention. The followingprocessing may be carried out by the control unit 8 of the imageprocessing apparatus 1 in accordance with the control program 15 astored by the ROM 15.

The managing unit 14 of the image processing apparatus 1 stores settingof a plurality of processing conditions of the image data, and thecontrol unit 8 monitors acceptance of the changing instruction ofsetting the processing condition according to the above-describedmethods (S201). When the changing instruction of setting the processingcondition is accepted (YES in S201), the control unit 8 stores thechanged setting of the processing condition in accordance with theaccepted changing instruction in the managing unit 14 (S202). When thecontrol unit 8 does not accept the changing instruction of setting theprocessing condition in step S201 (NO in S201), or after the processingis finished in step S202, the control unit 8 monitors acceptance ofturning on by the user of the “START” key 16 as the start instruction ofthe copying processing or the facsimile transmission processing (S203).

When turning on of the “START” key 16 is accepted (YES in S203), thecontrol unit 8 makes the image reading unit 2 read the image of theoriginal document (S208). When turning on of the “START” key 16 is notaccepted (NO in S203), the control unit 8 monitors whether or not thecommunication unit 10 receives the image data transmitted from thepersonal computer PC1 or PC2 as the information processing apparatus(S204). In the case where the communication unit 10 receives the imagedata (YES in S204), the control unit 8 makes the managing unit 14 storethe setting of the processing condition of print outputting that isreceived together with the image data (S205).

In the case where the image data is not received in step S204 (NO inS204), the control unit 8 determines whether or not a predetermined timehas passed from a point of time when the former processing of the imagedata was carried out (S206). When the predetermined time has not passed(NO in S206), the control unit 8 returns the processing to step S201.When the predetermined time has passed from a point of time when theformer processing of the image data was carried out (YES in S206), thecontrol unit 8 makes the managing unit 14 store the standard setting asthe setting of the processing condition of the image data by returningsetting of all processing conditions into the standard setting (S207),then returns the processing to step S201.

After the processing in step S208 or step S205 is finished, the controlunit 8 stores the image data read by the image reading unit 2 or theimage data received by the communication unit 10 in the working area 12a of the storage unit 12 (S209), and carries out print outputting of theimage in the image forming unit 6 or carries out the processing such asfacsimile transmission from the communication unit (modem) 10 (S210).Next, the control unit 8 determines whether the necessary processing ofthe image data is completed or not (S211). When the processing is notcompleted (NO in S211), the control unit 8 returns the processing tostep S210, and continues the processing of the image data.

In the case where the processing of the image data is completed in stepS211 (YES in S211), the control unit 8 determines whether or not theretaining processing condition among a plurality of processingconditions stored by the managing unit 14 is set to retain the imagedata in the retaining area 12 c or not (S212). When the retainingprocessing condition is set to retain the image data in the retainingarea 12 c (YES in S212), the control unit 8 retains the image datastored by the working area 12 a in the folder of the retaining area 12 cthat is designated by the processing condition stored by the managingunit 14 (S213). Subsequently, the control unit 8 releases the setting ofthe retaining processing condition to retain the image data in theretaining area 12 c, namely, returns it to the standard setting (S214),and stores the setting of the retaining processing condition after it isreturned to the standard setting in the managing unit 14 (S215). Then,the control unit 8 erases the image data stored by the working area 12 aof the storage unit 12 (S216), and terminates the processing.

In step S212, in the case where the setting of the retaining processingcondition is determined not to retain the image data in the retainingarea 12 c (NO in S212), the control unit 8 determines whether thesetting of the processing condition stored by the managing unit 14 is toretain the image data in the temporary retaining area 12 b or not(S217). When the retaining processing condition is not set to retain theimage data in the temporary retaining area 12 b (NO in S217), thecontrol unit 8 erases the image data stored in the working area 12 a ofthe storage unit 12 (S216), and terminates the processing.

In the case where setting of the retaining processing condition isdetermined to retain the image data in the working area 12 a in S217(YES in S217), the control unit 8 stores the image data stored in theworking area 12 a in the temporary retaining area 12 b (S218). Next, thecontrol unit 8 releases the setting of the retaining processingcondition to retain the image data in the temporary retaining area 12 b,namely, returns it to the standard setting (S219), and stores thesetting of the retaining processing condition after the setting ofretaining is released, namely, it is returned to the standard setting inthe managing unit 14 (S215), then erases the image data stored in theworking area 12 a of the storage unit 12 (S216), and terminates theprocessing.

According to the above-described processing, the control unit 8 releasesthe setting of the retaining processing condition to retain the imagedata in the temporary retaining area 12 b or the retaining area 12 cafter processing the image data, namely, returns it to the standardsetting and stores the settings of a plurality of processing conditionsthat are maintained as they are other than the retaining processingcondition to indicate that the image data should be retained or not inthe managing unit 14. Under this condition, the control unit 8 standsready to accept the next processing instruction.

FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display screen to bedisplayed on the touch panel 21 of the operating unit 4 after theprocessing of the image data is terminated. On this screen, both of the“FILING” key 211 and the “AUTO TEMP. RETAINING” key 212 are notdesignated and it means that the processing condition is not set so asto retain the image data. On the contrary, with respect to the “COPYDENSITY” key 213 and the “MAGNIFICATION” key 215, the designation of thecopy density and the designation of the magnification are maintained. Inother words, it is shown that the settings of the processing conditionsother than the retaining processing condition to indicate that the imagedata should be retained or not are maintained as they are.

The image processing apparatus 1 can carry out print outputting of theimage or carry out the processing such as facsimile transmission byreusing the image data stored by the storage unit 12. FIG. 50 and FIG.51 are flow charts showing the procedure upon reusing the image data tobe carried out by the image processing apparatus 1 according to thethird embodiment of the present invention. In the meantime, thefollowing processing are carried out by the control unit 8 of the imageprocessing apparatus 1 in accordance with the control program 15 astored by the ROM 15.

The control unit 8 monitors acceptance of the instruction to startreusing of the image data when the user turns on the “DOCUMENT FILING”key 23 a of the operating unit 4 shown in FIG. 32 (S301). When ON of the“DOCUMENT FILING” key 23 a is not accepted (NO in S301), the controlunit 8 continues to monitor the acceptance of ON of the “DOCUMENTFILING” key 23 a. When ON of the “DOCUMENT FILING” key 23 a is accepted(YES in S301), the control unit 8 makes the touch panel 21 of theoperating unit 4 display the operational screen of filing (S302).

FIG. 52 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen offiling to be displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operating unit 4. Onthis operational screen of filing, a “SCAN RETAINING” key 631 foraccepting the retaining instruction to only retain the image datawithout carrying out the processing of the image data such as copying orthe facsimile transmission is displayed on the touch panel 21. Inaddition, on the touch panel 21, a “FILING FOLDER” key 632 for acceptingthe instruction to call out the image data stored by the retaining area12 c and the temporary retaining area 12 b of the storage unit 12 and an“AUTO TEMP. RETAIN FOLDER” key 633 are displayed. Further, on the touchpanel 21, an “HDD USING CONDITION” key 634 for accepting the instructionto display the information indicating the using situation of the storageunit 12 and a “DATA RETRIEVE” key 635 for accepting the instruction toretrieve the image data to be reused are displayed.

When the user touches the “SCAN RETAINING” key 631 on the operationalscreen shown in FIG. 52, on the touch panel 21, the operational screenfor scan retaining is displayed. FIG. 53 is a schematic diagramillustrating the operational screen of scan retaining to be displayed onthe touch panel 21 of the operating unit 4. On the touch panel 21,respective keys for accepting designations of a density of copy, aresolution, and an original document upon reading the image by the imagereading unit 2 are displayed. In addition, on the touch panel 21, a“SPECIAL FUNCTION” key 641 for accepting designation of a specialprocessing condition such as division of the read image or connection ofa plurality of images and a “RETAINING DETAIL SETTING” key 642 foraccepting the necessary setting for retaining the image data such asdesignation of the file name and designation of the folder of theretaining destination of the image data are displayed. After eachcondition for retaining the image data is set, when the user turns onthe “START” key 16, the image reading unit 2 reads the image and thestorage unit 12 stores the image data.

When the user touches the “HDD USING CONDITION” key 634 on theoperational screen shown in FIG. 52, on the touch panel 21, the usingsituation of the storage unit 12 is displayed. FIG. 54 is a schematicdiagram illustrating the display screen displaying the using situationof the storage unit 12. On this display screen, an occupation ratio of ausing area and a vacant area of the retaining area 12 c including astandard folder and a user folder is displayed on the touch panel 21. Inaddition, on the touch panel 21, an occupation ratio of a using area anda vacant area of the temporary retaining means 12 b including thetemporary retaining folder is displayed in the same way.

Subsequently, the control unit 8 monitors acceptance of ON of the “AUTOTEMP. RETAIN FOLDER” key 633 when the user touches it on the operationalscreen shown in FIG. 52 (S303). When ON of the “AUTO TEMP. RETAINFOLDER” key 633 is accepted (YES in S303), the control unit 8 displays,on the touch panel 21 of the operating unit 4, a list of the image datastored by the temporary retaining area 12 b of the storage unit 12 inthe temporary retaining folder (S304). FIG. 55 is a schematic diagramillustrating a list display screen of the image data in a temporaryretaining folder to be displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operatingunit 4. On this screen, a list of the image data to be specified by theinformation such as the file name, the user name, and the date isdisplayed. When the user touches the display portion of each file onthis display screen, the image data to be reused is designated.

In step S303, in the case where ON of the “AUTO TEMP. RETAIN FOLDER” key633 is not accepted in step S303 (NO in S303), the control unit 8monitors acceptance of ON of the “FILING FOLDER” key 632 when the usertouches it on the operational screen shown in FIG. 52 (S305). When ON ofthe “FILING FOLDER” key 632 is not accepted (NO in S305), the controlunit 8 returns the processing to step S303.

FIG. 56 to FIG. 58 are schematic diagrams illustrating the list displayscreen of the image data stored by the retaining area 12 c of thestorage unit 12 to be displayed on the touch panel 21 of the operatingunit 4. Vhen ON of the “FILING FOLDER” key 632 is accepted (YES inS305), the control unit 8 displays, on the touch panel 21 of theoperating unit 4, the list of the image data stored by the retainingarea 12 c of the storage unit 12 in the standard folder (S306). FIG. 56is a schematic diagram illustrating the list display screen of the imagedata in the standard folder, and on this list display screen, the listof the image data to be specified by the information such as the filename, the user name, and the date is displayed.

On the list display screen in the standard folder, further, a “USERFOLDER” key 636 for accepting the folder other than the standard folderand a “DATA RETRIEVE” key 635 are displayed. When the user touches the“USER FOLDER” key 636 on the list display screen shown in FIG. 56, onthe touch panel 21, a list of the folders included in the retaining area12 c other than the standard folder is displayed. When the user touchesthe displayed portion of each folder on this display screen, the folderis designated.

Next, the control unit 8 monitors the acceptance of the folder otherthan the standard folder (S307). Then, in the case where the controlunit 8 accepts the designation of the folder is accepted (YES in S307),the control unit 8 displays the list of the image data in the designatedfolder on the touch panel 21 of the operating unit 4 (S308). FIG. 58 isa schematic diagram illustrating the list display screen of the imagedata in the designated folder, and it displays the list of the imagedata stored by the retaining area 12 c in the folder.

When the processing in step S304 is finished, in the case where thedesignation of the folder is not accepted in step S307 (NO in S307) orwhen the processing in step S308 is finished, the control unit 8monitors the acceptance of the designation of the image data when theuser touches the file on the list display screen (S309). When thedesignation of the image data is not accepted (NO in S309), the controlunit 8 continues to monitor the acceptance of the designation of theimage data, and when the designation of the image data is accepted (YESin S309), the control unit 8 displays the operational screen for reusingthe designated image data on the touch panel 21 (S310).

FIG. 59 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational screen forreusing the image data to be displayed on the touch panel 21 of theoperating unit 4. In the operational screen for reusing the image data,the file name of the selected image data is displayed on the touch panel21, and further, a “PRINT” key 651 for accepting the instruction tooutput the image for printing, a “MOVE” key 652 for accepting theinstruction to move the image data between the folders, a “TRANSMIT” key653 for accepting the instruction to transmit the image data to the PCas the information processing apparatus or the facsimile apparatus 3, an“ERASE” key 654 for accepting the instruction to erase the image datafrom the storage unit 12, an “CHANGE ATTRIBUTE” key 655 for acceptingthe instruction to change the attribute whether the image data isprotected by the password or not, and a “DETAILED INFO” key 656 foraccepting the instruction to display more detailed information relatedto the image data are respectively displayed on the touch panel 21.

When the user touches the “PRINT” key 651, the operational screen foraccepting the setting of the processing conditions such as the number ofprinting is displayed on the touch panel 21 and the control unit 8accepts the setting of the processing conditions. In addition, when theuser touches the “MOVE” key 652, on the touch panel 21, the operationalscreen for accepting the designation of the folder at the movingdestination is displayed and the control unit 8 accepts the designationof the folder. In addition, when the user touches the “TRANSMIT” key653, on the touch panel 21, the operational screen for accepting thedesignation of the transmission designation is displayed and the controlunit 8 accepts the designation of the transmission destination. Inaddition, when the user touches the “ERASE” key 654, on the touch panel21, the operational screen for accepting confirmation of erasing isdisplayed. In addition, when the user touches the “CHANGE ATTRIBUTE” key655, on the touch panel 21, the operational screen for accepting thecontent of changing the attribute of the image data is displayed and thecontrol unit 8 accepts the content of changing. In addition, when theuser touches the “DETAILED INFO” key 656, on the touch panel 21, thedisplay screen for displaying the detailed information of the image datais displayed.

The control unit 8 accepts the setting of the processing condition suchas outputting of the image for printing or the transmission thereof, andmonitors accepting of the instruction to start the processing when theuser turns on the “START” key 16 of the operating unit 4 (S311). Whenthe instruction to start the processing is not accepted (NO in S311),the control unit 8 continues to monitor the acceptance of theinstruction to start the processing. When the instruction to start theprocessing is accepted (YES in S311), the control unit 8 carries out theprocessing such as outputting of the image for printing or thetransmission of the image data (S312), and terminates the processing ofreusing the image data.

In the meantime, upon designation of the image data to be reused, theprocessing to designate the image is carried out after retrieving theimage data. When the user touches the “DATA RETRIEVE” key 635 on theoperational screens shown in FIG. 52, FIG. 55, FIG. 56 or FIG. 58, onthe touch panel 21, the operational screen for retrieving the image datais displayed.

FIG. 60 to FIG. 63 are schematic diagrams illustrating the operationalscreen for retrieving the image data to be displayed on the touch panel21 of the operating unit 4. At first, as shown in FIG. 60, theoperational screen on which a “USER NAME” key 661 for accepting thedesignation of the user name as a retrieving condition and a “FILE NAMEOR FOLDER NAME” key 662 for accepting the designation of the file nameor the folder name are displayed is displayed. When the user touches the“USER NAME” key 661, on the touch panel 21, a screen for selecting theuser name as shown in FIG. 61 is displayed. On this screen, user nameshaving been registered in advance are displayed, and when the userdesignates any user name and touches an “OK” key 663, the user name as aretrieving condition is designated. When the user touches a “FILE NAMEOR FOLDER NAME” key 662, on the touch panel 21, the input screen of thefile name or the folder name as shown in FIG. 62 is displayed. Accordingto such an input screen, on the touch panel 21, a plurality of inputkeys for inputting a character is displayed, the file name or the foldername are inputted when the user touches each input key, and the filename or the folder name are designated as the retrieving condition.

When the user touches a “START RETRIEVE” key 664 on the operationalscreen shown in FIG. 60 with the retrieving condition designated, thecontrol unit 8 retrieves the image data stored by the temporaryretaining area 12 b and the retaining area 12 c of the storage unit 12to extract the image data corresponding to the retrieving condition.Subsequently, the control unit 8 displays the display screen displayingthe retrieving result on the touch panel 21 of the operating unit 4.FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram illustrating the display screen of theretrieving result, and a list of the files or the folders of the imagedata extracted in accordance with the retrieving condition is displayedon this display screen. When the user touches the file name on thisdisplay screen, the image data to be reused is designated.

As described above in detail, the image processing apparatus accordingto the third embodiment of the present invention processes the imagedata in accordance with the set plural processing conditions, retainsthe processed image data when the retaining processing condition toindicate whether the image data should be retained or not is to retainthe image data, and does not retain the image data when it is set not toretain the image data.

In addition, upon accepting the image data to be processed, theapparatus accepts the instruction to retain the image data, and afterthe processing of the image data is finished, the setting of theprocessing condition is changed into the setting of inhibiting retainingof the image data.

Thereby, since it is necessary for the user to designate the image datato be retained one by one in order to retain the image data, the imagedata is not retained in the case where retaining of the image data isnot instructed. Accordingly, the image data to which the user determinesand instructs to be retained in the image processing unit is onlyretained in the image processing unit. As a result, the image data isnot automatically retained under situation where the user does notconfirm it and the image data is not retained against the user'sintension, so that it is possible to prevent the important image datafrom being illegally used by retaining in the image processing apparatuswithout the user's notice.

In addition, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,after the processing of the image data is terminated, since the settingsof the processing conditions other than the retaining processingcondition to indicate that the image data should be retained or not aremaintained as they are. Accordingly, it is not necessary for the user todesignate a plurality of processing conditions from the beginning whencontinuously processing the image data and a convenience of theoperation of the image processing apparatus can be kept while preventingthe illegal use of the image data.

Furthermore, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,under the standard setting of the retaining processing condition, theimage data is inhibited from retained and when a predetermined time haspassed from a point of time when the image data was processed, thesettings of all processing conditions are automatically returned to thestandard setting. Thereby, even if a next user uses the image processingapparatus after the user using the image processing apparatus beforebroke off the processing of the image data, the image is notautomatically retained without the new user's confirmation.

In addition, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,since the image data temporarily stored in the working area in order tocarry out the processing of the image data by the image processingapparatus is erased after the processing, it is possible to prevent theillegal use of the image data.

In addition, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,in the case where the image processing apparatus retains the image datain the temporary retaining area, the user confirms retaining of theimage data, so that it is possible to prevent the image data fromautomatically retained without the user's confirmation.

In the meantime, the image processing apparatus according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention, as same as the above-describedsecond embodiment, is provided with protecting means capable of changingthe operation to protect the image data into valid or invalid by usingencrypting or the like and when the operation of the protecting means isvalid, it limits retaining of the image data. According to such an imageprocessing apparatus, the protecting means switches the operationalcondition from invalid into valid or the detachable protecting means isprovided so as to make the operation valid.

Under the condition where the operation of the protecting means isvalid, this image processing apparatus retains the processed image datain the storage unit only when accepting the instruction to retain theimage data and does not retain the image data when the instruction toretain the image data is not accepted. Thereby, also in this case, theimage processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention protects the image data to be processed and at thesame time, prevents the image data from being automatically retainedwithout the user's confirmation, so that it is possible to prevent theimportant image data from being automatically retained in the imageprocessing apparatus without the user's notice and it is possible toprevent the illegal use thereof.

In the meantime, in this description, the image processing apparatusaccording to the first to third embodiments of the present invention isdefined as an MFP provided with multiple functions such as a facsimileapparatus, a copying machine, and a printer or the like, however, notlimited to this, it is an apparatus having a single functions such asthe facsimile apparatus, the copying machine, and the printer or thelike.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above in detail, according to the image processingapparatus according to the first embodiment, since the operation of theimage data by filing function for inputting and storing the image datain the image data storing means, and by the image data operating meansfor reading and outputting the image data stored by the image datastoring means for printing is not entirely prohibited but it ispartially limited when the image data protecting means is operating, aneasily usable data processing apparatus, in which a document filingfunction is matched with a data security function and the security ofthe data is secured is realized.

In addition, according to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment of the present invention, even in the case where the imageprocessing apparatus is originally configured so that the operation forstoring the image data in the image data storing means such as hard diskinside the apparatus is carried out even after the image processing isapplied to the image data, the operation of the image data is changed soas to be different from the original one in order to improve thesecurity of the image data stored in the image data storing means.

In addition, according to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment of the present invention, the inputted image data isencrypted at once and then, it is decoded upon processing, so that thesecurity of the image data is maintained.

Further, according to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment of the present invention, since the image data stored in theimage data storing means such as hard disk inside the apparatus isreplaced with the random data, even if the image data storing meansitself is taken out, the security of the image data is maintained.

In addition, according to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment of the present invention, since the image data stored in theimage data storing means such as hard disk inside the apparatus isforcibly erased, even if the image data storing means itself is takenout, the security of the image data is maintained because the image datacannot be reproduced.

Furthermore, according to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment of the present invention, since the image data stored in theimage data storing means such as hard disk inside the apparatus isforcibly erased after the image data itself is processed by the imageprocessing means, the security of the image data with highconfidentiality is maintained.

Still further, according to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment of the present invention, since all image data stored in theimage data storing means such as hard disk inside the apparatus areforcibly erased, even if the image data storing means itself is takenout, the security of the image data is maintained because the image datacannot be reproduced.

Still further, according to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment of the present invention, since the image data to beprocessed by the image processing means is temporarily stored in theimage data storing means and this image data temporarily stored in theimage data storing means is immediately erased from the image datastoring means when this image data itself is processed, when the imagedata with high confidentiality is processed, even if the image datastoring means itself is taken out, the security of the image data withhigh confidentiality that is not stored in the image data storing meansis maintained.

In addition, according to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment of the present invention, the security of the image data usedfor image processing, which forms an image by recording the image dataon a recording medium such as copy paper, specifically, which outputsthe image data for printing, is maintained.

In addition, according to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment of the present invention, the security of the image data usedfor image processing, which transmits the image data outside via thefacsimile communication, is maintained.

Further, according to the image processing apparatus of the firstembodiment of the present invention, the security of the image data usedfor image processing, which transmits the image data outside via thedata communication, is maintained.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, in theimage processing apparatus provided with means for storing the imagedata, by limiting the image data stored therein, the image data storedin the image processing apparatus is prevented from being taken outoutside and being illegally used so as to improve the security.

In addition, the second embodiment of the present invention provides theimage processing apparatus provided with means for storing the imagedata, invalidating means for invalidating image data, and means foroperating the invalidating means, and when the invalidating means isoperating, by limiting the image data to be stored, the image datastored by the image processing apparatus is prevented from being takenout outside and illegally used so as to improve the security thereof.

In addition, the second embodiment of the present invention provides theimage processing apparatus provided with means for storing the imagedata and capable of further providing invalidating means forinvalidating image data, and when the invalidating means is provided, bylimiting the image data to be stored, the image data stored by the imageprocessing apparatus is prevented from being taken out outside andillegally used so as to improve the security thereof.

In addition, the second embodiment of the present invention, in theimage processing apparatus capable of operating the invalidating meansfor invalidating image data provided with means for storing the imagedata, when the image processing apparatus stores the informationindicating whether the invalidating means is operating or not and theabove-described stored information indicates that the invalidating meansis operating, by limiting the image data to be stored, the image datastored by the image processing apparatus is prevented from being takenout outside and being illegally used so as to improve the security ofthe image data.

Further, since the second embodiment of the present invention can carryout the processing such as print outputting with respect to the imagedata stored by the image processing apparatus, a convenience as same asthe conventional one to reuse the image data is kept.

Furthermore, according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention, by only allowing the image data accepting the designation ofstoring to be stored and prohibiting other image data from being stored,an excellent advantage is realized, specifically, both of a convenienceto store the image data and reuse it and security to invalidate theimage data and prevent from being illegally used can be improved.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, since thesetting of the processing condition to indicate whether the image datashould be retained or not among the settings of a plurality ofprocessing conditions is returned to the standard setting to inhibitretaining of the image data when the processing of the image data isterminated, in order to retain the image data, it is necessary for theuser to designate the image data to be retained one by one. Therefore,the image data is not automatically retained without the user'sconfirmation.

In addition, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,since the setting of the processing condition is returned to thestandard setting including that to inhibit retaining of the image datawhen a predetermined time has passed from a point of time when the imagedata was processed, even if the processing of the image data was brokenoff before, the image data is not automatically retained without theuser's confirmation when he or she carries out the processing of theimage data in the next place.

Further, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, thesetting of the processing condition to indicate whether the image datashould be retained or not is to retain the image data accepting theinstruction to retain individually and in accordance with the setprocessing condition, the image processing apparatus processes the imagedata. Thereby, the image data that the user determines to be retained inthe image processing apparatus is only retained, and the image data isnot automatically retained without the user's confirmation, so that theimportant data is retained in the image processing apparatus without theuser's notice so as to prevent the image data from being illegally used.

In addition, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,when the processing of the image data is terminated, since the settingof the processing condition to indicate that the image data should beretained or not is automatically changed into the setting to inhibitretaining of the image data, in order to retain the image data in theimage processing apparatus, it is necessary for the user to instruct theimage data to be retained and the image data is not automaticallyretained without the user's confirmation. In addition, since thesettings of the processing conditions other than that to indicate thatthe image data should be retained or not are maintained as they are, itis not necessary for the user to instruct the setting from the beginningwhen continuously processing the image data and a convenience of theoperation of the image processing apparatus can be kept while preventingthe illegal use of the image data.

In addition, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,it is possible to change the operation to protect the image data intovalid or invalid, and when the operation to protect the image data isvalid, the image processing apparatus changes the setting of theprocessing condition to indicate that the image data should be retainedor not into the setting to automatically inhibit retaining of the imagedata. Therefore, it is possible to protect the image data to beprocessed and at the same time, it is possible to prevent the image datafrom being automatically retained without the user's confirmation.

Further, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,since the processing condition to indicate that the image data should beretained or not is retained with the setting to inhibit retaining of theimage data as the standard, when the user uses the image processingapparatus, the image data is not automatically retained without theuser's confirmation.

In addition, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,since the image data temporarily stored in order to carry out theprocessing of the image data is erased after the processing of the imagedata, it is possible to prevent the image data from being illegally usedas it is retained.

Further, according to the third embodiment of the present invention,since the information to indicate that the image data is retained isoutputted before retaining the image data, the image data is preventedfrom being automatically retained without the user's confirmation and anexcellent advantage is realized, specifically, it is possible to preventthe important image data from being retained and being illegally usedwithout the user's notice.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departingfrom the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the presentembodiments are therefore illustrative and not restrictive, since thescope of the invention is and all changes that fall within metes andbounds of the claims, or equivalence of such meters and bounds thereofare therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.

1-26. (canceled)
 27. An image processing apparatus comprising: imagedata storing means for storing image data; image data operating meansfor carrying out an operation for inputting image data by a filingfunction and storing it in said image data storing means or carrying outan operation for reading out the image data stored by said image datastoring means and outputting it; and processing means for processing theimage data outputted by said image data operating means, comprisingimage data protecting means for inhibiting the operation by said imagedata operating means to the image data stored by said image data storingmeans; wherein, when said image data protecting means is operating, theoperation of the image data by said image data operating means islimited.
 28. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 27,wherein said processing means records the image data on a recordingmedium to form an image.
 29. The image processing apparatus as set forthin claim 27, wherein said processing means transmits the image data tothe outside via a facsimile communication.
 30. The image processingapparatus as set forth in claim 27, wherein said processing meanstransmits the image data to the outside via a data communication.
 31. Animage processing apparatus comprising: image data storing means fortemporarily storing image data; processing means for reading out theimage data stored in said image data storing means and processing it;and image data operating means for operating the image data stored insaid image data storing means so as to be stored in said image datastoring means when said image data is processed by said processingmeans, comprising operation changing means for changing the operation ofthe image data by said image data operating means.
 32. The imageprocessing apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein said processingmeans records the image data on a recording medium to form an image. 33.The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein saidprocessing means transmits the image data to the outside via a facsimilecommunication.
 34. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim31, wherein said processing means transmits the image data to theoutside via a data communication.
 35. The image processing apparatus asset forth in claim 31, wherein said operation changing means encryptsthe inputted image data to store it in said image data storing means anddecodes the encrypted image data stored in said image data storing meansto supply it to said processing means.
 36. The image processingapparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein said operation changingmeans replaces the image data stored in said image data storing meanswith the random data when said image data is processed by saidprocessing means.
 37. The image processing apparatus as set forth inclaim 31, wherein said operation changing means forcibly erases theimage data stored in said image data storing means.
 38. The imageprocessing apparatus as set forth in claim 37, wherein said operationchanging means forcibly erases the image data stored in said image datastoring means when said image data is processed by said processingmeans.
 39. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 37,wherein said operation changing means forcibly erases all image datastored in said image data storing means.
 40. The image processingapparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein said operation changingmeans temporarily stores the image data to be processed by saidprocessing means in said image data storing means, and, when said imagedata is processed by said processing means, erases said image data fromsaid image data storing means.
 41. An image processing apparatuscomprising: image data accepting means for accepting image data; andimage data retaining means for retaining the image data accepted by saidimage data accepting means, comprising limiting means for limitingretaining of the image data by said image data retaining means.
 42. Theimage processing apparatus as set forth in claim 41, further comprisingretaining instruction accepting means for accepting a retaininginstruction to designate the image data to be retained in said imagedata retaining means, wherein said limiting means allows said image dataretaining means to retain the image data to which the retaininginstruction is accepted by said retaining instruction accepting means.43. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 41, furthercomprising: operation condition storing means for storing informationindicating that said invalidating means is under operational conditionor non-operational condition; referring means for referring to theinformation stored by said operation condition storing means; andlimiting means for limiting retaining of the information by said imagedata retaining means when the information referred by said referringmeans indicates that said invalidating means is under the operationalcondition.
 44. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 43,wherein said processing means also can process the image data stored bysaid image data retaining means.
 45. The image processing apparatus asset forth in claim 44, further comprising retaining instructionaccepting means for accepting a retaining instruction to designate theimage data to be retained in said image data retaining means, whereinsaid limiting means allows said image data retaining means to retain theimage data to which the retaining instruction is accepted by saidretaining instruction accepting means.
 46. An image processing apparatuscomprising: image data accepting means for accepting image data; imagedata retaining means for retaining the image data accepted by said imagedata accepting means; processing means for processing the image dataaccepted by said image data accepting means; invalidating means forinvalidating image data; and switching means for switching saidinvalidating means into the operational condition or the non-operationalcondition, comprising limiting means for limiting retaining of the imagedata by said image data retaining means when said invalidating means isswitched into the operational condition by said switching means.
 47. Theimage processing apparatus as set forth in claim 46, further comprisingretaining instruction accepting means for accepting a retaininginstruction to designate the image data to be retained in said imagedata retaining means, wherein said limiting means allows said image dataretaining means to retain the image data to which the retaininginstruction is accepted by said retaining instruction accepting means.48. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 46, furthercomprising: operation condition storing means for storing informationindicating that said invalidating means is under operational conditionor non-operational condition; referring means for referring to theinformation stored by said operation condition storing means; andlimiting means for limiting retaining of the information by said imagedata retaining means when the information referred by said referringmeans indicates that said invalidating means is under the operationalcondition.
 49. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 48,wherein said processing means also can process the image data stored bysaid image data retaining means.
 50. The image processing apparatus asset forth in claim 49, further comprising retaining instructionaccepting means for accepting a retaining instruction to designate theimage data to be retained in said image data retaining means, whereinsaid limiting means allows said image data retaining means to retain theimage data to which the retaining instruction is accepted by saidretaining instruction accepting means.
 51. An image processing apparatuscomprising: image data accepting means for accepting image data; imagedata retaining means for retaining the image data accepted by said imagedata accepting means; processing means for processing the image dataaccepted by said image data accepting means; and additionally comprisinginvalidating means for invalidating image data, comprising limitingmeans for limiting retaining of the image data by said image dataretaining means when said invalidating means is provided.
 52. The imageprocessing apparatus as set forth in claim 51, further comprisingretaining instruction accepting means for accepting a retaininginstruction to designate the image data to be retained in said imagedata retaining means, wherein said limiting means allows said image dataretaining means to retain the image data to which the retaininginstruction is accepted by said retaining instruction accepting means.53. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 51, whereinsaid processing means also can process the image data stored by saidimage data retaining means.
 54. The image processing apparatus as setforth in claim 53, further comprising retaining instruction acceptingmeans for accepting a retaining instruction to designate the image datato be retained in said image data retaining means, wherein said limitingmeans allows said image data retaining means to retain the image data towhich the retaining instruction is accepted by said retaininginstruction accepting means.
 55. An image processing apparatus,comprising: condition changing means for individually changing settingsof a plurality of processing conditions for processing image data fromthe standard setting; and processing means for processing the image datain accordance with the plural processing conditions including theprocessing condition whose setting is changed by said condition changingmeans, comprising: condition returning means for returning the settingof a predetermined processing condition from among the plural processingconditions, which is changed from the standard setting by said conditionchanging means, into the standard setting every time the processing ofthe image data by said processing means is finished.
 56. The imageprocessing apparatus as set forth in claim 55, comprising: determiningmeans for determining whether a predetermined time has passed from apoint of time when processing of the image data was carried out by saidprocessing means; and means for returning the setting of the processingcondition changed by said condition changing means into the standardsetting when said determining means determines that the predeterminedtime has passed.
 57. The image processing apparatus as set forth inclaim 55, further comprising image data retaining means for retainingthe image data whose processing by said processing means is finished;wherein said predetermined processing condition is whether the imagedata processed by said processing means should be retained in said imagedata retaining means or not; and the standard setting of saidpredetermined processing condition is inhibiting of retaining the imagedata processed by said processing means in said image data retainingmeans.
 58. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 57,comprising: determining means for determining whether a predeterminedtime has passed from a point of time when processing of the image datawas carried out by said processing means; and means for returning thesetting of the processing condition changed by said condition changingmeans into the standard setting when said determining means determinesthat the predetermined time has passed.
 59. An image processingapparatus comprising: image data accepting means for accepting imagedata; image data retaining means for retaining image data; processingcondition storing means for storing a plurality of processing conditionsupon processing image data; and processing means for processing, inaccordance with each processing condition stored by said processingcondition storing means, the image data accepted by said image dataaccepting means, comprising: retaining instruction accepting means forindividually accepting a retaining instruction for retaining the imagedata to be retained in said image data retaining means from among theimage data accepted by said image data accepting means; and means for,when said retaining instruction accepting means accepts the retaininginstruction, storing, in said processing condition storing means, thesetting of the retaining processing condition indicating whether theimage data should be retained or not by said image data retaining meansas the setting to retain in said image data retaining means the imagedata to which the retaining instruction is accepted by said retaininginstruction accepting means.
 60. The image processing apparatus as setforth in claim 59, further comprising: means for outputting theinformation indicating that said image data retaining means retains theimage data before said image data retaining means retains the image datawhen the retaining processing condition is set so as to retain the imagedata in said image data retaining means.
 61. The image processingapparatus as set forth in claim 59, further comprising: temporarystoring means for temporarily storing image data accepted by said imagedata accepting means; and means for erasing the image data stored bysaid temporary storing means when the processing of said image data iscompleted by said processing means.
 62. The image processing apparatusas set forth in claim 61, further comprising: means for outputting theinformation indicating that said image data retaining means retains theimage data before said image data retaining means retains the image datawhen the retaining processing condition is set so as to retain the imagedata in said image data retaining means.
 63. The image processingapparatus as set forth in claim 59, wherein said processing conditionstoring means is configured so as to store the setting of the retainingprocessing condition to inhibit retaining of the image data by saidimage data retaining means as the standard setting.
 64. The imageprocessing apparatus as set forth in claim 59, further comprising:changing means for changing the setting of the retaining processingcondition stored by said processing condition storing means into thesetting to inhibit retaining of the image data by said image dataretaining means, when said processing means processes the image datawhere said processing condition storing means stores the retainingprocessing condition being set to retain the image data in said imagedata retaining means; and means for maintaining the settings of theprocessing conditions other than the retaining processing conditionstored by said processing condition storing means.
 65. The imageprocessing apparatus as set forth in claim 64, wherein said processingcondition storing means is configured so as to store the setting of theretaining processing condition to inhibit retaining of the image data bysaid image data retaining means as the standard setting.
 66. The imageprocessing apparatus as set forth in claim 65, further comprising: meansfor outputting the information indicating that said image data retainingmeans retains the image data before said image data retaining meansretains the image data when the retaining processing condition is set soas to retain the image data in said image data retaining means.
 67. Theimage processing apparatus as set forth in claim 65, further comprising:temporary storing means for temporarily storing image data accepted bysaid image data accepting means; and means for erasing the image datastored by said temporary storing means when the processing of said imagedata is completed by said processing means.
 68. The image processingapparatus as set forth in claim 67, further comprising: means foroutputting the information indicating that said image data retainingmeans retains the image data before said image data retaining meansretains the image data when the retaining processing condition is set soas to retain the image data in said image data retaining means.
 69. Theimage processing apparatus as set forth in claim 64, further comprisingprotecting means capable of switching an operation to protect the imagedata into valid or invalid, wherein said changing means is configured soas to be operated when the operation of said protecting means is valid.70. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 69, whereinsaid processing condition storing means is configured so as to store thesetting of the retaining processing condition to inhibit retaining ofthe image data by said image data retaining means as the standardsetting.
 71. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 70,further comprising: means for outputting the information indicating thatsaid image data retaining means retains the image data before said imagedata retaining means retains the image data when the retainingprocessing condition is set so as to retain the image data in said imagedata retaining means.
 72. The image processing apparatus as set forth inclaim 70, further comprising: temporary storing means for temporarilystoring image data accepted by said image data accepting means; andmeans for erasing the image data stored by said temporary storing meanswhen the processing of said image data is completed by said processingmeans.
 73. The image processing apparatus as set forth in claim 72,further comprising: means for outputting the information indicating thatsaid image data retaining means retains the image data before said imagedata retaining means retains the image data when the retainingprocessing condition is set so as to retain the image data in said imagedata retaining means.